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Ong SLM, Szuhai K, Bovée JVMG. Gene fusions in vascular tumors and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:897-909. [PMID: 34225547 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1950533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The group of vascular tumors contains many different entities, and is considered difficult by pathologists, as they often have overlapping histological characteristics. Chromosomal translocations have been identified in ~20% of mesenchymal tumors and are considered the drivers of tumor formation. Many translocations have been discovered over the past decade through next-generation sequencing. This technological advancement has also revealed several recurrent gene fusions in vascular tumors. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss the various vascular tumors for which recurrent gene fusions have been identified. The gene fusions and the presumed molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis are shown, and potential implications for targeted therapies discussed. The identification of these gene fusions in vascular tumors has improved diagnostic accuracy, especially since several of these fusions can be easily detected using surrogate immunohistochemical markers. EXPERT OPINION The identification of gene fusions in a subset of vascular tumors over the past decade has improved diagnostic accuracy, and has provided the pathologists with novel diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose these often difficult tumors. Moreover, the increased understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms can guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena L M Ong
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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152
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Kot P, Yasuhara T, Shibata A, Hirakawa M, Abe Y, Yamauchi M, Matsuda N. Mechanism of chromosome rearrangement arising from single-strand breaks. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 572:191-196. [PMID: 34375929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome rearrangements, which are structural chromosomal abnormalities commonly found in human cancer, result from the misrejoining between two or more DNA double-strand breaks arising at different genomic regions. Consequently, chromosome rearrangements can generate fusion genes that promote tumorigenesis. The mechanisms of chromosome rearrangement have been studied using exogenous double-strand break inducers, such as radiation and nucleases. However, the mechanism underlying the occurrence of chromosome rearrangements in the absence of exogenous double-strand break-inducing stimuli is unclear. This study aimed to identify the major source of chromosome rearrangements and the DNA repair pathway that suppresses them. DNA repair factors that potentially suppress gene fusion were screened using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. In total, 22 repair factors whose expression levels were negatively correlated with the frequency of gene fusion were identified. More than 60% of these repair factors are involved in homologous recombination, a major double-strand break repair pathway. We hypothesized that DNA single-strand breaks are the source of double-strand breaks that lead to chromosome rearrangements. This study demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced single-strand breaks gave rise to double-strand breaks in a replication-dependent manner. Additionally, H2O2 induced the formation of RPA and RAD51 foci, which indicated that double-strand breaks derived from single-strand breaks were repaired through homologous recombination. Moreover, treatment with H2O2 promoted the formation of radial chromosomes, a type of chromosome rearrangements, only upon the downregulation of homologous recombination factors, such as BRCA1 and CtIP. Thus, single-strand breaks are the major source of chromosome rearrangements when the expression of homologous recombination factors is downregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palina Kot
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yasuhara
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shibata
- Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Miyako Hirakawa
- Radioisotope Research Center, Life Science Support Center, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yu Abe
- Department of Radiation Biology and Protection, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Motohiro Yamauchi
- Department of Radiation Biology and Protection, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Naoki Matsuda
- Department of Radiation Biology and Protection, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
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153
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Taule-Sivertsen P, Bruland O, Håvik AL, Bratland E, Lund-Johansen M, Knappskog PM. The SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion transcript is extremely rare in Norwegian sporadic vestibular schwannoma patients. J Neurooncol 2021; 154:35-40. [PMID: 34213706 PMCID: PMC8367919 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03796-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign intracranial tumor in which the underlying genetics is largely uncertain, apart from mutations in the tumor suppressor gene NF2. Alternative tumorigenic mechanisms have been proposed, including a recurrent in-frame fusion transcript of the HTRA1 and SH3PXD2A genes. The gene product of the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion has been shown to promote proliferation, invasion and resistance to cell death in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The aim of this study was to replicate the findings and to investigate the frequency of this fusion gene in another cohort of vestibular schwannoma patients. METHODS The SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 transcript was synthesized in vitro using PCR and used as a positive control to assess the sensitivity of a real-time PCR assay. This real-time PCR assay was used to search for the presence of the fusion transcript in 121 Norwegian sporadic VS patients. RESULTS The real-time PCR assay showed a high sensitivity and was able to detect as low as ~ 5 copies of the fusion transcript. Out of the 121 investigated tumors, only 1 harbored the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion. CONCLUSION Even though the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion has been shown to be a driver of tumorigenesis, our results suggest that it is a rare event in our VS patients. Further investigation is warranted in order to elucidate whether our results represent an extreme, and if the fusion is present also in other neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Taule-Sivertsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ove Bruland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aril Løge Håvik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eirik Bratland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Per Morten Knappskog
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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154
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Barabino SML, Citterio E, Ronchi AE. Transcription Factors, R-Loops and Deubiquitinating Enzymes: Emerging Targets in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153753. [PMID: 34359655 PMCID: PMC8345071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The advent of DNA massive sequencing technologies has allowed for the first time an extensive look into the heterogeneous spectrum of genes and mutations underpinning myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we wish to explore the most recent advances and the rationale for the potential therapeutic interest of three main actors in myelo-leukemic transformation: transcription factors that govern myeloid differentiation; RNA splicing factors, which ensure proper mRNA maturation and whose mutations increase R-loops formation; and deubiquitinating enzymes, which contribute to genome stability in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Abstract Myeloid neoplasms encompass a very heterogeneous family of diseases characterized by the failure of the molecular mechanisms that ensure a balanced equilibrium between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-renewal and the proper production of differentiated cells. The origin of the driver mutations leading to preleukemia can be traced back to HSC/progenitor cells. Many properties typical to normal HSCs are exploited by leukemic stem cells (LSCs) to their advantage, leading to the emergence of a clonal population that can eventually progress to leukemia with variable latency and evolution. In fact, different subclones might in turn develop from the original malignant clone through accumulation of additional mutations, increasing their competitive fitness. This process ultimately leads to a complex cancer architecture where a mosaic of cellular clones—each carrying a unique set of mutations—coexists. The repertoire of genes whose mutations contribute to the progression toward leukemogenesis is broad. It encompasses genes involved in different cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetics (DNA and histones modifications), DNA damage signaling and repair, chromosome segregation and replication (cohesin complex), RNA splicing, and signal transduction. Among these many players, transcription factors, RNA splicing proteins, and deubiquitinating enzymes are emerging as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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155
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Targeted Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Comprehensive Architecture, Burden and Transcriptional Signatures from HBV-Associated Integrations and Translocations in HCC Cell Lines. J Virol 2021; 95:e0029921. [PMID: 34287049 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00299-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can integrate into the chromosomes of infected hepatocytes, creating potentially oncogenic lesions that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, our current understanding of integrated HBV DNA architecture, burden and transcriptional activity is incomplete due to technical limitations. A combination of genomics approaches was used to describe HBV integrations and corresponding transcriptional signatures in three HCC cell lines: huH-1, PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B. To generate high coverage long-read sequencing data, a custom panel of HBV-targeting biotinylated oligonucleotide probes was designed. Targeted long-read DNA sequencing captured entire HBV integration events within individual reads, revealing that integrations may include deletions and inversions of viral sequences. Surprisingly, all three HCC cell lines contain integrations that are associated with host chromosomal translocations. In addition, targeted long-read RNA sequencing allowed for the assignment of transcriptional activity to specific integrations and resolved the contribution of overlapping HBV transcripts. HBV transcripts chimeric with host sequences were resolved in their entirety and often included >1000bp of host sequence. This study provides the first comprehensive description of HBV integrations and associated transcriptional activity in three commonly utilized HCC-derived cell lines. The application of novel methods sheds new light on the complexity of these integrations, including HBV bidirectional transcription, nested transcripts, silent integrations and host genomic rearrangements. The observation of multiple HBV-associated chromosomal translocations gives rise to the hypothesis that HBV may be a driver of genetic instability and provides a potential new mechanism for HCC development. Importance HCC-derived cell lines have served as practical models to study HBV biology for decades. These cell lines harbor multiple HBV integrations and express only HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). To date, an accurate description of the integration burden, architecture and transcriptional profile of these cell lines has been limited due to technical constraints. We have developed a targeted long-read sequencing assay which reveals the entire architecture of integrations in these cell lines. In addition, we identified five chromosomal translocations with integrated HBV DNA at the inter-chromosomal junctions. Incorporation of long-read RNA-Seq data indicated that many integrations and translocations were transcriptionally silent. The observation of multiple HBV-associated translocations has strong implications regarding the potential mechanisms for the development of HBV-associated HCC.
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156
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Tanaka M, Nakamura T. Modeling fusion gene-associated sarcoma: Advantages for understanding sarcoma biology and pathology. Pathol Int 2021; 71:643-654. [PMID: 34265156 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Disease-specific gene fusions are reportedly major driver mutations in approximately 30% of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Most fusion genes encode transcription factors or co-factors that regulate downstream target genes, altering cell growth, lineage commitment, and differentiation. Given the limitations of investigating their functions in vitro, the generation of mouse models expressing fusion genes in the appropriate cellular lineages is pivotal. Therefore, we generated a series of mouse models by introducing fusion genes into embryonic mesenchymal progenitors. This review describes mouse models of Ewing, synovial, alveolar soft part, and CIC-rearranged sarcomas. Furthermore, we describe the similarities between these models and their human counterparts. These models provide remarkable advantages to identify cells-of-origin, specific collaborators of fusion genes, angiogenesis key factors, or diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the relationship between fusion proteins and the epigenetic background as well as the possible role of the super-enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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157
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Liu Z, Yu P, Dong L, Wang W, Duan S, Wang B, Gong X, Ye L, Wang H, Tian J. Discovery of the Next-Generation Pan-TRK Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10286-10296. [PMID: 34253025 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes including NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 encode the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) proteins TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, respectively. So far, two TRK inhibitors, larotrectinib sulfate (LOXO-101 sulfate) and entrectinib (NMS-E628, RXDX-101), have been approved for clinical use in 2018 and 2019, respectively. To overcome acquired resistance, next-generation Trk inhibitors such as selitrectinib (LOXO-195) and repotrectinib (TPX-0005) have been developed and exhibit effectiveness to induce remission in patients with larotrectinib treatment failure. Herein, we report the identification and optimization of a series of macrocyclic compounds as potent pan-Trk (WT and MT) inhibitors that exhibited excellent physiochemical properties and good oral pharmacokinetics. Compound 10 was identified via optimization from the aspects of chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties, which showed good activity against wild and mutant TrkA/TrkC in in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical College, Yantai 256603, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Luye Pharma Group, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | | | | | | | - Liang Ye
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical College, Yantai 256603, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jingwei Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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158
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Davis RB, Kaur T, Moosa MM, Banerjee PR. FUS oncofusion protein condensates recruit mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeler via heterotypic interactions between prion-like domains. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1454-1466. [PMID: 34018649 PMCID: PMC8197437 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fusion transcription factors generated by genomic translocations are common drivers of several types of cancers including sarcomas and leukemias. Oncofusions of the FET (FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) family proteins result from the fusion of the prion-like domain (PLD) of FET proteins to the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of certain transcription regulators and are implicated in aberrant transcriptional programs through interactions with chromatin remodelers. Here, we show that FUS-DDIT3, a FET oncofusion protein, undergoes PLD-mediated phase separation into liquid-like condensates. Nuclear FUS-DDIT3 condensates can recruit essential components of the global transcriptional machinery such as the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF. The recruitment of mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) is driven by heterotypic PLD-PLD interactions between FUS-DDIT3 and core subunits of SWI/SNF, such as the catalytic component BRG1. Further experiments with single-molecule correlative force-fluorescence microscopy support a model wherein the fusion protein forms condensates on DNA surface and enrich BRG1 to activate transcription by ectopic chromatin remodeling. Similar PLD-driven co-condensation of mSWI/SNF with transcription factors can be employed by other oncogenic fusion proteins with a generic PLD-DBD domain architecture for global transcriptional reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richoo B. Davis
- Department of PhysicsUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Taranpreet Kaur
- Department of PhysicsUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
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159
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Damerell V, Pepper MS, Prince S. Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:246. [PMID: 34188019 PMCID: PMC8241855 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
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160
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He F, Song K, Guan G, Huo J, Xin Y, Li T, Liu C, Zhu Q, Fan N, Guo Y, Wu L. The Phenomenon of Gene Rearrangement is Frequently Associated with TP53 Mutations and Poor Disease-Free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2021; 14:723-736. [PMID: 34188519 PMCID: PMC8233541 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s313848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Gene rearrangements (GRs) have been reported to be related to adverse prognosis in some tumours, but the relationship in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains less studied. The objective of our study was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients (HCCs) with GRs (GR-HCCs). Patients and Methods This retrospective study included 297 HCCs who underwent hepatectomy and had their tumours sequenced by next-generation sequencing. Categorical variables between groups were compared by the chi-square test. The impact of variables on disease-free survival (DFS) and survival after relapse (SAR) was analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression. Results We observed four repetitive GR events in 297 HCCs: BRD9/TERT, ARID2/intergenic, CDKN2A/intergenic and OBSCN truncation. GR-HCCs frequently presented with low tumour differentiation, tumour necrosis, microvascular invasion, elevated AFP and gene mutations (TP53, NTRK3 and BRD9). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative DFS rates in GR-HCCs were 45.1%, 31.9%, 31.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of GR-negative HCCs (NGR-HCCs) (72.5%, 57.9%, and 49.0%, respectively; P = 0.001). GR was identified as an independent risk factor for inferior DFS in HCCs (HR = 1.980, 95% CI = 1.246–3.147; P = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference in SAR between GR-HCCs and NGR-HCCs receiving targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Conclusion GR is frequently associated with TP53 mutations and significantly affects DFS following radical resection for HCC. We recommend that GR-HCCs should be closely followed up as a high-risk group for postoperative recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu He
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangjian Song
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Guan
- Organ Transplant Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyu Huo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xin
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianxiang Li
- Organ Transplant Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwei Zhu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Fan
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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161
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Wei T, Lu J, Ma T, Huang H, Kocher JP, Wang L. Re-Evaluate Fusion Genes in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Inform 2021; 20:11769351211027592. [PMID: 34234399 PMCID: PMC8226361 DOI: 10.1177/11769351211027592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Thousands of gene fusions have been reported in prostate cancer, but their
authenticity, incidence, and tumor specificity have not been thoroughly
evaluated, nor have their genomic characteristics been carefully
explored. Methods: We developed FusionVet to dedicatedly validate known fusion genes using
RNA-seq alignments. Using FusionVet, we re-assessed 2727 gene fusions
reported from 36 studies using the RNA-seq data generated by The Cancer
Genome Atlas (TCGA). We also explored their genomic characteristics and
interrogated the transcriptomic and DNA methylomic consequences of the E26
transformation-specific (ETS) fusions. Results: We found that nearly two-thirds of reported fusions are intra-chromosomal,
and 80% of them were formed between 2 protein-coding genes. Although most
(76%) genes were fused to only 1 partner, we observed many fusion hub genes
that have multiple fusion partners, including ETS family genes, androgen
receptor signaling pathway genes, tumor suppressor genes, and
proto-oncogenes. More than 90% of the reported fusions cannot be validated
by TCGA RNA-seq data. For those fusions that can be validated, 5% were
detected from tumor and normal samples with similar frequencies, and only 4%
(120 fusions) were tumor-specific. The occurrences of ERG,
ETV1, and ETV4 fusions were mutually
exclusive, and their fusion statuses were tightly associated with
overexpressions. Besides, we found ERG fusions were
significantly co-occurred with PTEN deletion but mutually
exclusive with common genomic alterations such as SPOP
mutation and FOXA1 mutation. Conclusions: Most of the reported fusion genes cannot be validated by TCGA samples. The
ETS family and androgen response genes were significantly enriched in
prostate cancer–specific fusion genes. Transcription activity was
significantly repressed, and the DNA methylation was significantly increased
in samples carrying ERG fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wei
- Division of Computational Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ji Lu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Ma
- Division of Computational Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Kocher
- Division of Computational Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Liguo Wang
- Division of Computational Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
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162
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Farkas G, Kocsis ZS, Székely G, Dobozi M, Kenessey I, Polgár C, Jurányi Z. Smoking, chromosomal aberrations, and cancer incidence in healthy subjects. Mutat Res 2021; 867:503373. [PMID: 34266629 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes can be used as biomarkers of cancer risk. Cytogenetic tests were conducted on 2396 healthy Hungarian individuals and cancer incidence was followed up from 1989 to 2018. Venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects and metaphases from lymphocyte cultures were prepared. We compared the CA frequencies of the various smoking (1-5; 6-10; 11-19; or 20-40 cigarettes/day) and exposure (irradiation; chemical industry; chemical research laboratory) groups. Chromatid break (p = 0.0002), total aberration (p = 0.002), and aberrant cell (p = 0.001) frequencies were higher in smokers than in non-smokers. For very heavy smokers, total CAs were significantly higher than for non-smokers (<0.001) or less intensive smokers (p = 0.003-0.0006). Intensity of smoking was a predictor of chromosomal aberrations, while duration was not. During follow-up, 177 (7.3 %) cancer cases were found. A Cox-regression model showed that subjects with cell values ≥2 CAs developed cancer more frequently (hazard ratio = 1.39; 95 % CI, 1.02-1.90). The relative risks of cancer were 1.06 (95 % CI 0.53-2.06) for light smokers and 1.74 (95 % CI 1.08-2.77) for very heavy smokers. The distributions of cancer sites showed differences between smoker and non-smoker groups: in male smokers, lung cancer, in non-smokers, prostate, and in females (both groups) breast cancer were most common. Cancer incidence correlated with chromosome aberrations; smoking was not a confounder in this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyöngyi Farkas
- National Institute of Oncology, Centre of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiobiology and Diagnostic Onco-Cytogenetics, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa S Kocsis
- National Institute of Oncology, Centre of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiobiology and Diagnostic Onco-Cytogenetics, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Székely
- National Institute of Oncology, Centre of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiobiology and Diagnostic Onco-Cytogenetics, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Dobozi
- National Institute of Oncology, National Cancer Registry, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Kenessey
- National Institute of Oncology, National Cancer Registry, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Polgár
- National Institute of Oncology, Centre of Radiotherapy, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary; Semmelweis University, Department of Oncology, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Jurányi
- National Institute of Oncology, Centre of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiobiology and Diagnostic Onco-Cytogenetics, Ráth György u. 7-9, 1122, Budapest, Hungary.
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163
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Singh S, Li H. Comparative study of bioinformatic tools for the identification of chimeric RNAs from RNA Sequencing. RNA Biol 2021; 18:254-267. [PMID: 34142643 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1940047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric RNAs are gaining more and more attention as they have broad implications in both cancer and normal physiology. To date, over 40 chimeric RNA prediction methods have been developed to facilitate their identification from RNA sequencing data. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted to compare the performance of these tools; additionally, previous studies have become outdated as more software tools have been developed within the last three years. In this study, we benchmarked 16 chimeric RNA prediction software, including seven top performers in previous benchmarking studies, and nine that were recently developed. We used two simulated and two real RNA-Seq datasets, compared the 16 tools for their sensitivity, positive prediction value (PPV), F-measure, and also documented the computational requirements (time and memory). We noticed that none of the tools are inclusive, and their performance varies depending on the dataset and objects. To increase the detection of true positive events, we also evaluated the pair-wise combination of these methods to suggest the best combination for sensitivity and F-measure. In addition, we compared the performance of the tools for the identification of three classes (read-through, inter-chromosomal and intra-others) of chimeric RNAs. Finally, we performed TOPSIS analyses and ranked the weighted performance of the 16 tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Singh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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164
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Fujita S, Masago K, Sasaki E, Tsukushi S, Horio Y, Kuroda H, Hida T. Weak-evidence Fusion Candidates Detected by a FusionPlex Assay Using the Ion Torrent System. In Vivo 2021; 35:993-998. [PMID: 33622894 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The Archer FusionPlex platform is widely used for comprehensive fusion-gene detection in cancer tissues. This platform separately displays results for strong-evidence and weak-evidence fusion candidates (WEFCs). Distinctive fusion patterns are frequently found in the weak-evidence category and information about the patterns is clinically essential. PATIENTS AND METHODS We describe the type and frequency of WEFCs observed using the FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel (S Panel) and the FusionPlex ALK, RET, and ROS1 ver2 Panel (ARR Panel). RESULTS A total of 97 specimens were examined and 620 candidates were detected and categorized as WEFCs. A median of five WEFCs were detected per sample. In the S Panel group, there were 13 WEFCs with a frequency of more than 1%. In the ARR Panel group, a total of 16 WEFCs were detected with a frequency of more than 1%. CONCLUSION Specific WEFCs were detected according to the panel selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Fujita
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan; .,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kobe Central Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Masago
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eiichi Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsukushi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Horio
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kuroda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Hida
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
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165
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Cristini A, Géraud M, Sordet O. Transcription-associated DNA breaks and cancer: A matter of DNA topology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 364:195-240. [PMID: 34507784 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcription is an essential cellular process but also a major threat to genome integrity. Transcription-associated DNA breaks are particularly detrimental as their defective repair can induce gene mutations and oncogenic chromosomal translocations, which are hallmarks of cancer. The past few years have revealed that transcriptional breaks mainly originate from DNA topological problems generated by the transcribing RNA polymerases. Defective removal of transcription-induced DNA torsional stress impacts on transcription itself and promotes secondary DNA structures, such as R-loops, which can induce DNA breaks and genome instability. Paradoxically, as they relax DNA during transcription, topoisomerase enzymes introduce DNA breaks that can also endanger genome integrity. Stabilization of topoisomerases on chromatin by various anticancer drugs or by DNA alterations, can interfere with transcription machinery and cause permanent DNA breaks and R-loops. Here, we review the role of transcription in mediating DNA breaks, and discuss how deregulation of topoisomerase activity can impact on transcription and DNA break formation, and its connection with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Cristini
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Mathéa Géraud
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Sordet
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
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166
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Wang T, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Shi J. Extrachromosomal circular DNA: a new potential role in cancer progression. J Transl Med 2021; 19:257. [PMID: 34112178 PMCID: PMC8194206 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is considered a circular DNA molecule that exists widely in nature and is independent of conventional chromosomes. eccDNA can be divided into small polydispersed circular DNA (spcDNA), telomeric circles (t-circles), microDNA, and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) according to its size and sequence. Multiple studies have shown that eccDNA is the product of genomic instability, has rich and important biological functions, and is involved in the occurrence of many diseases, including cancer. In this review, we focus on the discovery history, formation process, characteristics, and physiological functions of eccDNAs; the potential functions of various eccDNAs in human cancer; and the research methods employed to study eccDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Wang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haijian Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youlang Zhou
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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167
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Bajpai M, Panda A, Birudaraju K, Van Gurp J, Chak A, Das KM, Javidian P, Aviv H. Recurring Translocations in Barrett's Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:674741. [PMID: 34178034 PMCID: PMC8220202 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.674741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant metaplasia in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). BE can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) with less than 15% 5-year survival. Chromosomal aneuploidy, deletions, and duplication are early events in BE progression to EA, but reliable diagnostic assays to detect chromosomal markers in premalignant stages of EA arising from BE are lacking. Previously, we investigated chromosomal changes in an in vitro model of acid and bile exposure-induced Barrett's epithelial carcinogenesis (BEC). In addition to detecting changes already known to occur in BE and EA, we also reported a novel recurring chromosomal translocation t(10:16) in the BE cells at an earlier time point before they undergo malignant transformation. In this study, we refine the chromosomal event with the help of fluorescence microscopy techniques as a three-way translocation between chromosomes 2, 10, and 16, t(2:10;16) (p22;q22;q22). We also designed an exclusive fluorescent in situ hybridization for esophageal adenocarcinoma (FISH-EA) assay that detects these chromosomal breakpoints and fusions. We validate the feasibility of the FISH-EA assay to objectively detect these chromosome events in primary tissues by confirming the presence of one of the fusions in paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed human EA tumors. Clinical validation in a larger cohort of BE progressors and non-progressors will confirm the specificity and sensitivity of the FISH-EA assay in identifying malignant potential in the early stages of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Bajpai
- Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Anshuman Panda
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Kristen Birudaraju
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - James Van Gurp
- Department of Pathology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Amitabh Chak
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kiron M Das
- Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Parisa Javidian
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Department of Pathology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Hana Aviv
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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168
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Lim HJ, Lee JH, Lee SY, Choi HW, Choi HJ, Kee SJ, Shin JH, Shin MG. Diagnostic Validation of a Clinical Laboratory-Oriented Targeted RNA Sequencing System for Detecting Gene Fusions in Hematologic Malignancies. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1015-1029. [PMID: 34082071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a highly accurate method for sequencing transcripts of interest with a high resolution and throughput. However, RNA-seq has not been widely performed in clinical molecular laboratories because of the complexity of data processing and interpretation. We developed and validated a customized RNA-seq panel and data processing protocol for fusion detection using 4 analytical validation samples and 51 clinical samples, covering seven types of hematologic malignancies. Analytical validation showed that the results for target gene coverage and between- and within-run precision and linearity tests were reliable. Using clinical samples, RNA-seq based on filtering and prioritization strategies detected all 25 known fusions previously found by multiplex reverse transcriptase-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. It also detected nine novel fusions. Known fusions detected by RNA-seq included two IGH rearrangements supported by expression analysis. Novel fusions included six that targeted just one partner gene. In addition, 18 disease- and drug resistance-associated transcript variants in ABL1, GATA2, IKZF1, JAK2, RUNX1, and WT1 were designated simultaneously. Expression analysis showed distinct clustering according to subtype and lineage. In conclusion, this study showed that our customized RNA-seq system had a reliable and stable performance for fusion detection, with enhanced diagnostic yield for hematologic malignancies in a clinical diagnostic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Jin Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeob Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jung Kee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hee Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea; Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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169
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Amit I, Iancu O, Levy-Jurgenson A, Kurgan G, McNeill MS, Rettig GR, Allen D, Breier D, Ben Haim N, Wang Y, Anavy L, Hendel A, Yakhini Z. CRISPECTOR provides accurate estimation of genome editing translocation and off-target activity from comparative NGS data. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3042. [PMID: 34031394 PMCID: PMC8144550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22417-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling off-target editing activity is one of the central challenges in making CRISPR technology accurate and applicable in medical practice. Current algorithms for analyzing off-target activity do not provide statistical quantification, are not sufficiently sensitive in separating signal from noise in experiments with low editing rates, and do not address the detection of translocations. Here we present CRISPECTOR, a software tool that supports the detection and quantification of on- and off-target genome-editing activity from NGS data using paired treatment/control CRISPR experiments. In particular, CRISPECTOR facilitates the statistical analysis of NGS data from multiplex-PCR comparative experiments to detect and quantify adverse translocation events. We validate the observed results and show independent evidence of the occurrence of translocations in human cell lines, after genome editing. Our methodology is based on a statistical model comparison approach leading to better false-negative rates in sites with weak yet significant off-target activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Amit
- Arazi School of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ortal Iancu
- The Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Alona Levy-Jurgenson
- Department of Computer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gavin Kurgan
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Coralville, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Allen
- The Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Dor Breier
- The Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Nimrod Ben Haim
- The Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yu Wang
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Coralville, IA, USA
| | - Leon Anavy
- Arazi School of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- The Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Zohar Yakhini
- Arazi School of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel.
- Department of Computer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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170
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Kim K, Kim M, Kim Y, Lee D, Jung I. Hi-C as a molecular rangefinder to examine genomic rearrangements. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:161-170. [PMID: 33992531 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian genome is highly packed into the nucleus. Over the past decade, the development of Hi-C has contributed significantly to our understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure, uncovering the principles and functions of higher-order chromatin organizations. Recent studies have repositioned its property in spatial proximity measurement to address challenging problems in genome analyses including genome assembly, haplotype phasing, and the detection of genomic rearrangements. In particular, the power of Hi-C in detecting large-scale structural variations (SVs) in the cancer genome has been demonstrated, which is challenging to be addressed solely with short-read-based whole-genome sequencing analyses. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive view of Hi-C as an intuitive and effective SV detection tool. Then, we introduce recently developed bioinformatics tools utilizing Hi-C to investigate genomic rearrangements. Finally, we discuss the potential application of single-cell Hi-C to address the heterogeneity of genomic rearrangements and sub-population identification in the cancer genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyukwang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mooyoung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubin Kim
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongsung Lee
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea.
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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171
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Apostolides M, Jiang Y, Husić M, Siddaway R, Hawkins C, Turinsky AL, Brudno M, Ramani AK. MetaFusion: A high-confidence metacaller for filtering and prioritizing RNA-seq gene fusion candidates. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:3144-3151. [PMID: 33944895 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Current fusion detection tools use diverse calling approaches and provide varying results, making selection of the appropriate tool challenging. Ensemble fusion calling techniques appear promising; however, current options have limited accessibility and function. RESULTS MetaFusion is a flexible meta-calling tool that amalgamates outputs from any number of fusion callers. Individual caller results are standardized by conversion into the new file type Common Fusion Format (CFF). Calls are annotated, merged using graph clustering, filtered, and ranked to provide a final output of high confidence candidates. MetaFusion consistently achieves higher precision and recall than individual callers on real and simulated datasets, and reaches up to 100% precision, indicating that ensemble calling is imperative for high confidence results. MetaFusion uses FusionAnnotator to annotate calls with information from cancer fusion databases, and is provided with a benchmarking toolkit to calibrate new callers. AVAILABILITY MetaFusion is freely available at https://github.com/ccmbioinfo/MetaFusion. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Apostolides
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yue Jiang
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mia Husić
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Siddaway
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Pathology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei L Turinsky
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Brudno
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arun K Ramani
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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172
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Panagopoulos I, Heim S. Interstitial Deletions Generating Fusion Genes. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2021; 18:167-196. [PMID: 33893073 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A fusion gene is the physical juxtaposition of two different genes resulting in a structure consisting of the head of one gene and the tail of the other. Gene fusion is often a primary neoplasia-inducing event in leukemias, lymphomas, solid malignancies as well as benign tumors. Knowledge about fusion genes is crucial not only for our understanding of tumorigenesis, but also for the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment of cancer. Balanced chromosomal rearrangements, in particular translocations and inversions, are the most frequent genetic events leading to the generation of fusion genes. In the present review, we summarize the existing knowledge on chromosome deletions as a mechanism for fusion gene formation. Such deletions are mostly submicroscopic and, hence, not detected by cytogenetic analyses but by array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) and/or high throughput sequencing (HTS). They are found across the genome in a variety of neoplasias. As tumors are increasingly analyzed using aCGH and HTS, it is likely that more interstitial deletions giving rise to fusion genes will be found, significantly impacting our understanding and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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173
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Chen Z, Ni W, Li JL, Lin S, Zhou X, Sun Y, Li JW, Leon ME, Hurtado MD, Zolotukhin S, Liu C, Lu J, Griffin JD, Kaye FJ, Wu L. The CRTC1-MAML2 fusion is the major oncogenic driver in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. JCI Insight 2021; 6:139497. [PMID: 33830080 PMCID: PMC8119194 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
No effective systemic treatment is available for patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), the most common salivary gland malignancy. MEC is frequently associated with a t(11;19)(q14-21;p12-13) translocation that creates a CRTC1-MAML2 fusion gene. The CRTC1-MAML2 fusion exhibited transforming activity in vitro; however, whether it serves as an oncogenic driver for MEC establishment and maintenance in vivo remains unknown. Here, we show that doxycycline-induced CRTC1-MAML2 knockdown blocked the growth of established MEC xenografts, validating CRTC1-MAML2 as a therapeutic target. We further generated a conditional transgenic mouse model and observed that Cre-induced CRTC1-MAML2 expression caused 100% penetrant formation of salivary gland tumors resembling histological and molecular characteristics of human MEC. Molecular analysis of MEC tumors revealed altered p16-CDK4/6-RB pathway activity as a potential cooperating event in promoting CRTC1-MAML2–induced tumorigenesis. Cotargeting of aberrant p16-CDK4/6-RB signaling and CRTC1-MAML2 fusion–activated AREG/EGFR signaling with the respective CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib and EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib produced enhanced antitumor responses in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study provides direct evidence for CRTC1-MAML2 as a key driver for MEC development and maintenance and identifies a potentially novel combination therapy with FDA-approved EGFR and CDK4/6 inhibitors as a potential viable strategy for patients with MEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirong Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.,UF Health Cancer Center, and
| | - Wei Ni
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.,UF Health Cancer Center, and.,Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.,UF Health Cancer Center, and
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.,UF Health Cancer Center, and
| | - Yuping Sun
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Jennifer W Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and.,Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marino E Leon
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Maria D Hurtado
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, and.,Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jianrong Lu
- UF Health Cancer Center, and.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - James D Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frederic J Kaye
- UF Health Cancer Center, and.,Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.,UF Health Cancer Center, and.,Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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174
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Wang Y, Shi T, Song X, Liu B, Wei J. Gene fusion neoantigens: Emerging targets for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 506:45-54. [PMID: 33675984 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor neoantigens play an important role in current cancer immunotherapies. The most commonly studied class of tumor neoantigens contains those derived from single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertions or deletions (Indels). However, gene fusions are also ideal sources of tumor neoantigens, as they can form new open reading frames (ORFs). Compared with SNV and Indel (SNV&Indel) neoantigens, fusion gene neoantigens tend to be more immunogenic, have more targets per mutation, and are more broadly shared across different cancer types. As a result, they are an important class of tumor neoantigens and emerging targets for cancer immunotherapies, with uses as prognostic biomarkers of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and in the development of tumor vaccines, adoptive cell therapies and tumor immune microenvironment modulation. In this review, we introduce the chromosomal basis and characteristics of gene fusions. Then, we summarize the predictive tools, mutation burden and immunogenicity of gene fusion neoantigens. Further, we discuss applications and future improvements of gene fusion neoantigens with respect to current cancer immunotherapies and novel developments in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xueru Song
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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175
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van Belzen IAEM, Schönhuth A, Kemmeren P, Hehir-Kwa JY. Structural variant detection in cancer genomes: computational challenges and perspectives for precision oncology. NPJ Precis Oncol 2021; 5:15. [PMID: 33654267 PMCID: PMC7925608 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is generally characterized by acquired genomic aberrations in a broad spectrum of types and sizes, ranging from single nucleotide variants to structural variants (SVs). At least 30% of cancers have a known pathogenic SV used in diagnosis or treatment stratification. However, research into the role of SVs in cancer has been limited due to difficulties in detection. Biological and computational challenges confound SV detection in cancer samples, including intratumor heterogeneity, polyploidy, and distinguishing tumor-specific SVs from germline and somatic variants present in healthy cells. Classification of tumor-specific SVs is challenging due to inconsistencies in detected breakpoints, derived variant types and biological complexity of some rearrangements. Full-spectrum SV detection with high recall and precision requires integration of multiple algorithms and sequencing technologies to rescue variants that are difficult to resolve through individual methods. Here, we explore current strategies for integrating SV callsets and to enable the use of tumor-specific SVs in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Schönhuth
- Genome Data Science, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Patrick Kemmeren
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jayne Y Hehir-Kwa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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176
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Krook MA, Reeser JW, Ernst G, Barker H, Wilberding M, Li G, Chen HZ, Roychowdhury S. Fibroblast growth factor receptors in cancer: genetic alterations, diagnostics, therapeutic targets and mechanisms of resistance. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:880-892. [PMID: 33268819 PMCID: PMC7921129 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are aberrantly activated through single-nucleotide variants, gene fusions and copy number amplifications in 5-10% of all human cancers, although this frequency increases to 10-30% in urothelial carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We begin this review by highlighting the diversity of FGFR genomic alterations identified in human cancers and the current challenges associated with the development of clinical-grade molecular diagnostic tests to accurately detect these alterations in the tissue and blood of patients. The past decade has seen significant advancements in the development of FGFR-targeted therapies, which include selective, non-selective and covalent small-molecule inhibitors, as well as monoclonal antibodies against the receptors. We describe the expanding landscape of anti-FGFR therapies that are being assessed in early phase and randomised controlled clinical trials, such as erdafitinib and pemigatinib, which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of FGFR3-mutated urothelial carcinoma and FGFR2-fusion cholangiocarcinoma, respectively. However, despite initial sensitivity to FGFR inhibition, acquired drug resistance leading to cancer progression develops in most patients. This phenomenon underscores the need to clearly delineate tumour-intrinsic and tumour-extrinsic mechanisms of resistance to facilitate the development of second-generation FGFR inhibitors and novel treatment strategies beyond progression on targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Krook
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julie W Reeser
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gabrielle Ernst
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah Barker
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Max Wilberding
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gary Li
- QED Therapeutics Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hui-Zi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sameek Roychowdhury
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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177
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Kim JH, Megquier K, Thomas R, Sarver AL, Song JM, Kim YT, Cheng N, Schulte AJ, Linden MA, Murugan P, Oseth L, Forster CL, Elvers I, Swofford R, Turner-Maier J, Karlsson EK, Breen M, Lindblad-Toh K, Modiano JF. Genomically Complex Human Angiosarcoma and Canine Hemangiosarcoma Establish Convergent Angiogenic Transcriptional Programs Driven by Novel Gene Fusions. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:847-861. [PMID: 33649193 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic angiosarcomas are aggressive vascular sarcomas whose rarity and genomic complexity present significant obstacles in deciphering the pathogenic significance of individual genetic alterations. Numerous fusion genes have been identified across multiple types of cancers, but their existence and significance remain unclear in sporadic angiosarcomas. In this study, we leveraged RNA-sequencing data from 13 human angiosarcomas and 76 spontaneous canine hemangiosarcomas to identify fusion genes associated with spontaneous vascular malignancies. Ten novel protein-coding fusion genes, including TEX2-PECAM1 and ATP8A2-FLT1, were identified in seven of the 13 human tumors, with two tumors showing mutations of TP53. HRAS and NRAS mutations were found in angiosarcomas without fusions or TP53 mutations. We found 15 novel protein-coding fusion genes including MYO16-PTK2, GABRA3-FLT1, and AKT3-XPNPEP1 in 11 of the 76 canine hemangiosarcomas; these fusion genes were seen exclusively in tumors of the angiogenic molecular subtype that contained recurrent mutations in TP53, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, and NRAS. In particular, fusion genes and mutations of TP53 cooccurred in tumors with higher frequency than expected by random chance, and they enriched gene signatures predicting activation of angiogenic pathways. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of human angiosarcomas and canine hemangiosarcomas identified shared molecular signatures associated with activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Our data suggest that genome instability induced by TP53 mutations might create a predisposition for fusion events that may contribute to tumor progression by promoting selection and/or enhancing fitness through activation of convergent angiogenic pathways in this vascular malignancy. IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that, while drive events of malignant vasoformative tumors of humans and dogs include diverse mutations and stochastic rearrangements that create novel fusion genes, convergent transcriptional programs govern the highly conserved morphologic organization and biological behavior of these tumors in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyuk Kim
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota. .,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kate Megquier
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rachael Thomas
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Aaron L Sarver
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jung Min Song
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Yoon Tae Kim
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nuojin Cheng
- School of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ashley J Schulte
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Michael A Linden
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paari Murugan
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - LeAnn Oseth
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Colleen L Forster
- The University of Minnesota Biological Materials Procurement Network (BioNet), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ingegerd Elvers
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ross Swofford
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Breen
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Cancer Genetics Program, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaime F Modiano
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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178
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Britton HM, Levine AB, Shen Y, Mungall K, Serrano J, Snuderl M, Pleasance E, Jones SJM, Laskin J, Marra MA, Rassekh SR, Deyell R, Yip S, Cheng S, Dunham C. NTRK2 Fusion driven pediatric glioblastoma: Identification of oncogenic Drivers via integrative Genome and transcriptome profiling. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:1472-1477. [PMID: 33768871 PMCID: PMC7981675 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first report of a NACC2-NTRK2 fusion in a histological glioblastoma. Oncogenomic analysis revealed this actionable fusion oncogene in a pediatric cerebellar glioblastoma, which would not have been identified through routine diagnostics, demonstrating the value of clinical genome profiling in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M. Britton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Adrian B. Levine
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Yaoqing Shen
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
| | - Karen Mungall
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
| | - Jonathan Serrano
- Department of PathologyNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of PathologyNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Erin Pleasance
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
| | - Steven J. M. Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
| | - Janessa Laskin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
- Department of Medical OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverBCCanada
| | - Marco A. Marra
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences CentreBritish Columbia Cancer AgencyVancouverCanada
| | - Shahrad R. Rassekh
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyBritish Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rebecca Deyell
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyBritish Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Sylvia Cheng
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyBritish Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Chris Dunham
- Division of Anatomic PathologyChildren's and Women's Health Centre of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
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179
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Hashimoto K, Nishimura S, Ito T, Oka N, Akagi M. Inflammatory Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Mimicking Bacteremia in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57020175. [PMID: 33670681 PMCID: PMC7922332 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is major type of soft tissue sarcomas. UPS presenting with inflammation is rare, and its pathophysiology remains unclear. Herein, we report a rare case of UPS with prolonged fever. A 91-year-old female complaining of high fever was referred to our hospital because of a high C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 12.51 mg/dL. She had been experiencing intermittent fevers for approximately 10 years. The fever of unknown origin worsened with time and went into remission with repeated antimicrobial therapy. She also had a mass on her central lower back over the sacral region for 6 years, which showed a gradual increase in size. The blood tests showed that the leukocyte count and neutrophils were 6.51 × 103 /µL and 70.3%, respectively. She had a 10 × 10 cm mass on her buttock that showed 2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) accumulation on FDG-positron emission tomography-computed tomography examination (standardized uptake value-max value: 5.4). A blood culture examination was performed to rule out bacteremia, however, no bacteria were identified. We then performed a needle biopsy and confirmed the diagnosis of UPS; subsequently, the patient underwent a wide-margin resection. A few days after the surgery, her CRP, leukocyte, and neutrophil levels decreased to 0.305 mg/dL, 2.83 × 103/uL, and 50.1%, respectively. This case demonstrated that UPS with inflammation should be treated surgically as soon as possible after ruling out other sources of infection to achieve a favorable prognosis.
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180
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Kong DP, Chen R, Zhang CL, Zhang W, Xiao GA, Wang FB, Ta N, Gao X, Sun YH. Prevalence and clinical application of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in Asian prostate cancer patients: a large-sample study in Chinese people and a systematic review. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:200-207. [PMID: 31210145 PMCID: PMC7155806 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_45_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion between the transmembrane protease serine 2 and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (TMPRSS2-ERG fusion) is a common genetic alteration in prostate cancer among Western populations and has been suggested as playing a role in tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer. However, the prevalence of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion differs among different ethnic groups, and contradictory results have been reported in Asian patients. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and significance of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion as a molecular subtyping and prognosis indicator of prostate cancer in Asians. We identified the fusion status in 669 samples from prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemistry in China. We examined the association of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with clinicopathological characteristics and biochemical recurrence by Chi-square test and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Finally, a systematic review was performed to investigate the positive rate of the fusion in Asian prostate cancer patients. McNemar's test was employed to compare the positive rates of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion detected using different methods. The positive rates of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion were 16% in our samples and 27% in Asian patients. In our samples, 9.4% and 19.3% of cases were recognized as fusion positive by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. No significant association between the fusion and clinical parameters was observed. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion is not a frequent genomic alteration among Asian prostate cancer patients and has limited significance in clinical practices in China. Besides ethnic difference, detection methods potentially influence the results showing a positive rate of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Pei Kong
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chun-Lei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guang-An Xiao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fu-Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Na Ta
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ying-Hao Sun
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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181
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Tolomeo D, Agostini A, Visci G, Traversa D, Storlazzi CT. PVT1: A long non-coding RNA recurrently involved in neoplasia-associated fusion transcripts. Gene 2021; 779:145497. [PMID: 33600954 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NGS technologies and bioinformatics tools allow the rapid identification of chimeric transcripts in cancer. More than 40,000 fusions are so far reported in the literature; however, for most of them, the role in oncogenesis is still not fully understood. This is the case for fusions involving the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) (8q24.21). This lncRNA displays oncogenic functions in several cancer types interacting with microRNAs and proteins, but the role of PVT1 fusion transcripts is more obscure. These chimeras have been identified in both hematological malignancies and solid tumors, mainly arising from rearrangements and/or amplification of the 8q24 chromosomal region. In this review, we detail the full spectrum of PVT1 fusions in cancer, summarizing current knowledge about their genesis, function, and role as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Tolomeo
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona no.4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine "Guido Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Grazia Visci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona no.4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Debora Traversa
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona no.4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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182
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Taniue K, Akimitsu N. Aberrant phase separation and cancer. FEBS J 2021; 289:17-39. [PMID: 33583140 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are intracellularly divided into numerous compartments or organelles, which coordinate specific molecules and biological reactions. Membrane-bound organelles are physically separated by lipid bilayers from the surrounding environment. Biomolecular condensates, also referred to membraneless organelles, are micron-scale cellular compartments that lack membranous enclosures but function to concentrate proteins and RNA molecules, and these are involved in diverse processes. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by multivalent weak macromolecular interactions is a critical principle for the formation of biomolecular condensates, and a multitude of combinations among multivalent interactions may drive liquid-liquid phase transition (LLPT). Dysregulation of LLPS and LLPT leads to aberrant condensate and amyloid formation, which causes many human diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Here, we describe recent findings regarding abnormal forms of biomolecular condensates and aggregation via aberrant LLPS and LLPT of cancer-related proteins in cancer development driven by mutation and fusion of genes. Moreover, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms by which aberrant LLPS and LLPT occur in cancer and the drug candidates targeting these mechanisms. Further understanding of the molecular events regulating how biomolecular condensates and aggregation form in cancer tissue is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies against tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzui Taniue
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
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183
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Cordonnier G, Mandoli A, Cagnard N, Hypolite G, Lhermitte L, Verhoeyen E, Asnafi V, Dillon N, Macintyre E, Martens JHA, Bond J. CBFβ-SMMHC Affects Genome-wide Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cell Rep 2021; 30:299-307.e3. [PMID: 31940477 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations and deletions of polycomb repressive complex (PRC) components are increasingly recognized to affect tumor biology in a range of cancers. However, little is known about how genetic alterations of PRC-interacting molecules such as the core binding factor (CBF) complex influence polycomb activity. We report that the acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-associated CBFβ-SMMHC fusion oncoprotein physically interacts with the PRC1 complex and that these factors co-localize across the AML genome in an apparently PRC2-independent manner. Depletion of CBFβ-SMMHC caused substantial increases in genome-wide PRC1 binding and marked changes in the association between PRC1 and the CBF DNA-binding subunit RUNX1. PRC1 was more likely to be associated with actively transcribed genes in CBFβ-SMMHC-expressing cells. CBFβ-SMMHC depletion had heterogeneous effects on gene expression, including significant reductions in transcription of ribosomal loci occupied by PRC1. Our results provide evidence that CBFβ-SMMHC markedly and diversely affects polycomb recruitment and transcriptional regulation across the AML genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Cordonnier
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Amit Mandoli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Cagnard
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Paris Descartes, Bioinformatics Platform, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Hypolite
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Lhermitte
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, EVIR Team, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Lyon, France; Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Vahid Asnafi
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Niall Dillon
- Gene Regulation and Chromatin Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Macintyre
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Bond
- Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Paris, France; Laboratory of Onco-Hematology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France; Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
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184
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Taniue K, Akimitsu N. Fusion Genes and RNAs in Cancer Development. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:10. [PMID: 33557176 PMCID: PMC7931065 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion RNAs are a hallmark of some cancers. They result either from chromosomal rearrangements or from splicing mechanisms that are non-chromosomal rearrangements. Chromosomal rearrangements that result in gene fusions are particularly prevalent in sarcomas and hematopoietic malignancies; they are also common in solid tumors. The splicing process can also give rise to more complex RNA patterns in cells. Gene fusions frequently affect tyrosine kinases, chromatin regulators, or transcription factors, and can cause constitutive activation, enhancement of downstream signaling, and tumor development, as major drivers of oncogenesis. In addition, some fusion RNAs have been shown to function as noncoding RNAs and to affect cancer progression. Fusion genes and RNAs will therefore become increasingly important as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cancer development. Here, we discuss the function, biogenesis, detection, clinical relevance, and therapeutic implications of oncogenic fusion genes and RNAs in cancer development. Further understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate how fusion RNAs form in cancers is critical to the development of therapeutic strategies against tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzui Taniue
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
- Cancer Genomics and Precision Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 2-1 Midorigaoka Higashi, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Akimitsu
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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185
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Biernacka A, Skrzypczak M, Zhu Y, Pasero P, Rowicka M, Ginalski K. High-resolution, ultrasensitive and quantitative DNA double-strand break labeling in eukaryotic cells using i-BLESS. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:1034-1061. [PMID: 33349705 PMCID: PMC8088906 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are implicated in various physiological processes, such as class-switch recombination or crossing-over during meiosis, but also present a threat to genome stability. Extensive evidence shows that DSBs are a primary source of chromosome translocations or deletions, making them a major cause of genomic instability, a driving force of many diseases of civilization, such as cancer. Therefore, there is a great need for a precise, sensitive, and universal method for DSB detection, to enable both the study of their mechanisms of formation and repair as well as to explore their therapeutic potential. We provide a detailed protocol for our recently developed ultrasensitive and genome-wide DSB detection method: immobilized direct in situ breaks labeling, enrichment on streptavidin and next-generation sequencing (i-BLESS), which relies on the encapsulation of cells in agarose beads and labeling breaks directly and specifically with biotinylated linkers. i-BLESS labels DSBs with single-nucleotide resolution, allows detection of ultrarare breaks, takes 5 d to complete, and can be applied to samples from any organism, as long as a sufficient amount of starting material can be obtained. We also describe how to combine i-BLESS with our qDSB-Seq approach to enable the measurement of absolute DSB frequencies per cell and their precise genomic coordinates at the same time. Such normalization using qDSB-Seq is especially useful for the evaluation of spontaneous DSB levels and the estimation of DNA damage induced rather uniformly in the genome (e.g., by irradiation or radiomimetic chemotherapeutics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Biernacka
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Skrzypczak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Philippe Pasero
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maga Rowicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krzysztof Ginalski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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186
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Ramani NS, Patel KP, Routbort MJ, Alvarez H, Broaddus R, Chen H, Rashid A, Lazar A, San Lucas FA, Yao H, Manekia J, Dang H, Barkoh BA, Medeiros LJ, Luthra R, Roy-Chowdhuri S. Factors Impacting Clinically Relevant RNA Fusion Assays Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:1405-1412. [PMID: 33493304 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0415-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays are being used with increasing frequency for comprehensive molecular profiling of solid tumors. OBJECTIVE.— To evaluate factors that might impact clinical assay performance. DESIGN.— A 4-month retrospective review of cases analyzed by a targeted RNA-based NGS assay to detect fusions was performed. RNA extraction was performed from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections and/or cytology smears of 767 cases, including 493 in-house and 274 outside referral cases. The types of samples included 422 core needle biopsy specimens (55%), 268 resection specimens (35%), and 77 cytology samples (10%). RESULTS.— Successful NGS fusion testing was achieved in 697 specimens (90.9%) and correlated positively with RNA yield (P < .001) and negatively with specimen necrosis (P = .002), decalcification (P < .001), and paraffin block age of more than 2 years (P = .001). Of the 697 cases that were successfully sequenced, 50 (7.2%) had clinically relevant fusions. The testing success rates and fusion detection rates were similar between core needle biopsy and cytology samples. In contrast, RNA fusion testing was often less successful using resection specimens (P = .007). Testing success was independent of the tumor percentage in the specimen, given that at least 20% tumor cellularity was present. CONCLUSIONS.— The success of RNA-based NGS testing is multifactorial and is influenced by RNA quality and quantity. Identification of preanalytical factors affecting RNA quality and yield can improve NGS testing success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha S Ramani
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
| | - Keyur P Patel
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Mark J Routbort
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Hector Alvarez
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Russell Broaddus
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
| | - Hui Chen
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
| | - Asif Rashid
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
| | - Alex Lazar
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
| | - Francis A San Lucas
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Hui Yao
- and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Yao), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. Broaddus is currently with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Jawad Manekia
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Hyvan Dang
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Bedia A Barkoh
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - L Jeffrey Medeiros
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Rajyalakshmi Luthra
- Hematopathology (Patel, Routbort, Alvarez, San Lucas, Manekia, Dang, Barkoh, Medeiros, Luthra)
| | - Sinchita Roy-Chowdhuri
- From the Departments of Pathology (Ramani, Broaddus, Chen, Rashid, Lazar, Roy-Chowdhuri)
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187
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Terlecki-Zaniewicz S, Humer T, Eder T, Schmoellerl J, Heyes E, Manhart G, Kuchynka N, Parapatics K, Liberante FG, Müller AC, Tomazou EM, Grebien F. Biomolecular condensation of NUP98 fusion proteins drives leukemogenic gene expression. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2021; 28:190-201. [PMID: 33479542 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-00550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
NUP98 fusion proteins cause leukemia via unknown molecular mechanisms. All NUP98 fusion proteins share an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) in the NUP98 N terminus, featuring repeats of phenylalanine-glycine (FG), and C-terminal fusion partners often function in gene control. We investigated whether mechanisms of oncogenic transformation by NUP98 fusion proteins are hardwired in their protein interactomes. Affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) and confocal imaging of five NUP98 fusion proteins expressed in human leukemia cells revealed that shared interactors were enriched for proteins involved in biomolecular condensation and that they colocalized with NUP98 fusion proteins in nuclear puncta. We developed biotinylated isoxazole-mediated condensome MS (biCon-MS) to show that NUP98 fusion proteins alter the global composition of biomolecular condensates. An artificial FG-repeat-containing fusion protein phenocopied the nuclear localization patterns of NUP98 fusion proteins and their capability to drive oncogenic gene expression programs. Thus, we propose that IDR-containing fusion proteins combine biomolecular condensation with transcriptional control to induce cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Terlecki-Zaniewicz
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Humer
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Eder
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Schmoellerl
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elizabeth Heyes
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Manhart
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Katja Parapatics
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio G Liberante
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - André C Müller
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleni M Tomazou
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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188
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Detection of aberrant gene expression events in RNA sequencing data. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:1276-1296. [PMID: 33462443 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful approach to discover disease-causing gene regulatory defects in individuals affected by genetically undiagnosed rare disorders. Pioneering studies have shown that RNA-seq could increase the diagnosis rates over DNA sequencing alone by 8-36%, depending on the disease entity and tissue probed. To accelerate adoption of RNA-seq by human genetics centers, detailed analysis protocols are now needed. We present a step-by-step protocol that details how to robustly detect aberrant expression levels, aberrant splicing and mono-allelic expression in RNA-seq data using dedicated statistical methods. We describe how to generate and assess quality control plots and interpret the analysis results. The protocol is based on the detection of RNA outliers pipeline (DROP), a modular computational workflow that integrates all the analysis steps, can leverage parallel computing infrastructures and generates browsable web page reports.
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189
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Huang W, Li H, Shi X, Lin M, Liao C, Zhang S, Shi W, Zhang L, Zhang X, Gan J. Characterization of genomic alterations in Chinese colorectal cancer patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2021; 51:120-129. [PMID: 33106877 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyaa182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. Right-sided and left-sided colorectal cancer (RCC and LCC) patients respond differently to treatment. We aimed to identify the different mutational profile between RCC and LCC and provided evidence for future precision therapy. METHODS A total of 630 Chinese colorectal cancer patients, including 467 (74.1%) LCC and 163 (25.9%) RCC, were enrolled in this cohort. Both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues and matching blood samples were collected and deep sequenced targeting 450 cancer genes for genomic alteration analysis. Tumor mutational burden was measured by an algorithm developed in-house. Correlation analysis was performed by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS The most common mutated genes were TP53 (77.0%), APC (71.7%), KRAS (50.0%), SMAD4 (19.8%), PIK3CA (18.3%), FBXW7 (17.5%), TCF7L2 (12.5%), SOX9 (11.3%), LRP1B (10.8%), ARID1A (10.3%) and FAT4 (10.3%). The mutation frequencies of TP53 and APC in LCC were significantly higher than that of RCC, while the mutation frequency of PIK3CA was lower than that of RCC. Six gene fusions were specifically detected in RCC patients. Colorectal cancer sites were associated with gender (P = 4.15 × 10-5) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.059). In LCC, the gender-associated genes were FAT4, EP300, FAT1, LRP1, ARID1B, AR, FYN and TAF1, while in RCC, they were ARID1A, SMARCA4, LRP1 and GRIN2A. The mutations of 18 genes were associated with tumor differentiation (8 for LCC and 10 for RCC). High tumor mutational burden was more common in RCC. Our results implied more potential targeted drug therapy opportunities for RCC. CONCLUSION We describe the different molecular characteristics of LCC and RCC. Our result supported a better prognosis of RCC than LCC in Chinese colorectal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | | | - Minglin Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Cun Liao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | | | | | - Lin Zhang
- Origimed Co. Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Gan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
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190
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Slovin S, Carissimo A, Panariello F, Grimaldi A, Bouché V, Gambardella G, Cacchiarelli D. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis: A Step-by-Step Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2284:343-365. [PMID: 33835452 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1307-8_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to innovative sample-preparation and sequencing technologies, gene expression in individual cells can now be measured for thousands of cells in a single experiment. Since its introduction, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approaches have revolutionized the genomics field as they created unprecedented opportunities for resolving cell heterogeneity by exploring gene expression profiles at a single-cell resolution. However, the rapidly evolving field of scRNA-seq invoked the emergence of various analytics approaches aimed to maximize the full potential of this novel strategy. Unlike population-based RNA sequencing approaches, scRNA seq necessitates comprehensive computational tools to address high data complexity and keep up with the emerging single-cell associated challenges. Despite the vast number of analytical methods, a universal standardization is lacking. While this reflects the fields' immaturity, it may also encumber a newcomer to blend in.In this review, we aim to bridge over the abovementioned hurdle and propose four ready-to-use pipelines for scRNA-seq analysis easily accessible by a newcomer, that could fit various biological data types. Here we provide an overview of the currently available single-cell technologies for cell isolation and library preparation and a step by step guide that covers the entire canonical analytic workflow to analyse scRNA-seq data including read mapping, quality controls, gene expression quantification, normalization, feature selection, dimensionality reduction, and cell clustering useful for trajectory inference and differential expression. Such workflow guidelines will escort novices as well as expert users in the analysis of complex scRNA-seq datasets, thus further expanding the research potential of single-cell approaches in basic science, and envisaging its future implementation as best practice in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaked Slovin
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Carissimo
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo "Mauro Picone", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Panariello
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Grimaldi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Bouché
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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191
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Zeng Y, Koo KM, Shen AG, Hu JM, Trau M. Nucleic Acid Hybridization-Based Noise Suppression for Ultraselective Multiplexed Amplification of Mutant Variants. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006370. [PMID: 33325632 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of mutant nucleic acid (NA) variants can provide crucial clinical and biological insights for many diseases. Yet, existing analysis techniques are generally constrained by nonspecific "noise" signals from excessive wildtype background sequences, especially under rapid isothermal multiplexed target amplification conditions. Herein, the molecular hybridization chemistry between NA bases is manipulated to suppress noise signals and achieve ultraselective multiplexed detection of cancer gene fusion NA variants. Firstly, modified locked NA (LNA) bases are rationally introduced into oligonucleotide sequences as designed "locker probes" for high affinity hybridization to wildtype sequences, leading to enrichment of mutant variants for multiplexed isothermal amplification. Secondly, locker probes are coupled with a customized "proximity-programmed" (SERS) readout which allows precise control of hybridization-based plasmonic signaling to specifically detect multiple target amplicons within a single reaction. Moreover, the use of triple bond Raman reporters endows NA noise signal-free quantification in the Raman silent region (≈1800-2600 cm-1 ). With this dual molecular hybridization-based strategy, ultraselective multiplexed detection of gene fusion NA variants in cancer cellular models is actualized with successful noise suppression of native wildtype sequences. The distinct benefits of isothermal NA amplification and SERS multiplexing ability are simultaneously harnessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zeng
- School of Printing and Packaging, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
- The Centre of Analysis and Measurement of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Kevin M Koo
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- XING Technologies Pty Ltd, Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, QLD, 4073, Australia
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Ai-Guo Shen
- School of Printing and Packaging, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Ming Hu
- The Centre of Analysis and Measurement of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Matt Trau
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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192
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Chen R, Chen J, Gao C, Wu C, Pan D, Zhang J, Zhou J, Wang K, Zhang Q, Yang Q, Jian X, Zhao Y, Wen Y, Wang Z, Shi Y, Li Z. Association analysis of potentially functional variants within 8p12 with schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:27-33. [PMID: 32129128 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1738550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chromosome 8p12 was first identified as a schizophrenia (SCZ) risk locus in Chinese populations and replicated in European populations. However, the underlying functional variants still need to be further explored. In this study, we sought to identify plausible causal variants within this locus. METHODS A total of 386 potentially functional variants from 29 genes within the 8p12 locus were analysed in 2403 SCZ cases and 2594 control subjects in the Han Chinese population using Affymetrix customised genotyping assays. SHEsisplus was used for association analysis. A multiple testing corrected p value (false discovery rate (FDR)) < .05 was considered significant, and an unadjusted p value < .05 was considered nominal evidence of an association. RESULTS We did not find significant associations between the tested variants and SCZ. However, nominal associations were found for rs201292574 (unadjusted p = .033, FDR p = .571; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.265-0.945; TACC1, NP_006274.2:p.Ala211Thr) and rs45563241 (unadjusted p = .039, FDR p = .571; 95% CI: 1.023-1.866; a synonymous mutation in ADRB3). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide limited evidence for the associations between variants from protein coding regions in 8p12 and SCZ in the Chinese population. Analyses of both coding and regulatory variants in larger sample sizes are required to further clarify the causal variants for SCZ with this risk locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengwen Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanhong Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dun Pan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinmai Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiangzhen Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemin Jian
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalin Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanqin Wen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyong Shi
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Social Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatric Science and Systems Biological Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Social Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatric Science and Systems Biological Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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193
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Chen W, Cui W, Qiu Y, Cui D. Research Progress of Chimeric RNA and Health. Health (London) 2021. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2021.134036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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194
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Van AAN, Kunkel MT, Baffi TR, Lordén G, Antal CE, Banerjee S, Newton AC. Protein kinase C fusion proteins are paradoxically loss of function in cancer. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100445. [PMID: 33617877 PMCID: PMC8008189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the AGC kinase superfamily, gene fusions resulting from chromosomal rearrangements have been most frequently described for protein kinase C (PKC), with gene fragments encoding either the C-terminal catalytic domain or the N-terminal regulatory moiety fused to other genes. Kinase fusions that eliminate regulatory domains are typically gain of function and often oncogenic. However, several quality control pathways prevent accumulation of aberrant PKC, suggesting that PKC fusions may paradoxically be loss of function. To explore this topic, we used biochemical, cellular, and genome editing approaches to investigate the function of fusions that retain the portion of the gene encoding either the catalytic domain or regulatory domain of PKC. Overexpression studies revealed that PKC catalytic domain fusions were constitutively active but vulnerable to degradation. Genome editing of endogenous genes to generate a cancer-associated PKC fusion resulted in cells with detectable levels of fusion transcript but no detectable protein. Hence, PKC catalytic domain fusions are paradoxically loss of function as a result of their instability, preventing appreciable accumulation of protein in cells. Overexpression of a PKC regulatory domain fusion suppressed both basal and agonist-induced endogenous PKC activity, acting in a dominant-negative manner by competing for diacylglycerol. For both catalytic and regulatory domain fusions, the PKC component of the fusion proteins mediated the effects of the full-length fusions on the parameters examined, suggesting that the partner protein is dispensable in these contexts. Taken together, our findings reveal that PKC gene fusions are distinct from oncogenic fusions and present a mechanism by which loss of PKC function occurs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Angela N Van
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Maya T Kunkel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Timothy R Baffi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gema Lordén
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Corina E Antal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sourav Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alexandra C Newton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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195
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Niazi Y, Thomsen H, Smolkova B, Vodickova L, Vodenkova S, Kroupa M, Vymetalkova V, Kazimirova A, Barancokova M, Volkovova K, Staruchova M, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Dusinska M, Musak L, Vodicka P, Hemminki K, Försti A. DNA Repair Gene Polymorphisms and Chromosomal Aberrations in Exposed Populations. Front Genet 2021; 12:691947. [PMID: 34220964 PMCID: PMC8242355 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage and unrepaired or insufficiently repaired DNA double-strand breaks as well as telomere shortening contribute to the formation of structural chromosomal aberrations (CAs). Non-specific CAs have been used in the monitoring of individuals exposed to potential carcinogenic chemicals and radiation. The frequency of CAs in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) has been associated with cancer risk and the association has also been found in incident cancer patients. CAs include chromosome-type aberrations (CSAs) and chromatid-type aberrations (CTAs) and their sum CAtot. In the present study, we used data from our published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and extracted the results for 153 DNA repair genes for 607 persons who had occupational exposure to diverse harmful substances/radiation and/or personal exposure to tobacco smoking. The analyses were conducted using linear and logistic regression models to study the association of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with CAs. Considering an arbitrary cutoff level of 5 × 10-3, 14 loci passed the threshold, and included 7 repair pathways for CTA, 4 for CSA, and 3 for CAtot; 10 SNPs were eQTLs influencing the expression of the target repair gene. For the base excision repair pathway, the implicated genes PARP1 and PARP2 encode poly(ADP-ribosyl) transferases with multiple regulatory functions. PARP1 and PARP2 have an important role in maintaining genome stability through diverse mechanisms. Other candidate genes with known roles for CSAs included GTF2H (general transcription factor IIH subunits 4 and 5), Fanconi anemia pathway genes, and PMS2, a mismatch repair gene. The present results suggest pathways with mechanistic rationale for the formation of CAs and emphasize the need to further develop techniques for measuring individual sensitivity to genotoxic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Niazi
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Yasmeen Niazi,
| | - Hauke Thomsen
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- GeneWerk GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czecia
| | - Sona Vodenkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Kroupa
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czecia
| | - Veronika Vymetalkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czecia
| | - Alena Kazimirova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magdalena Barancokova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Volkovova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Staruchova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus M. Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Ludovit Musak
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czecia
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czecia
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Kari Hemminki,
| | - Asta Försti
- Department of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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196
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Liu Q, Hu Y, Stucky A, Fang L, Zhong JF, Wang K. LongGF: computational algorithm and software tool for fast and accurate detection of gene fusions by long-read transcriptome sequencing. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:793. [PMID: 33372596 PMCID: PMC7771079 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-read RNA-Seq techniques can generate reads that encompass a large proportion or the entire mRNA/cDNA molecules, so they are expected to address inherited limitations of short-read RNA-Seq techniques that typically generate < 150 bp reads. However, there is a general lack of software tools for gene fusion detection from long-read RNA-seq data, which takes into account the high basecalling error rates and the presence of alignment errors. RESULTS In this study, we developed a fast computational tool, LongGF, to efficiently detect candidate gene fusions from long-read RNA-seq data, including cDNA sequencing data and direct mRNA sequencing data. We evaluated LongGF on tens of simulated long-read RNA-seq datasets, and demonstrated its superior performance in gene fusion detection. We also tested LongGF on a Nanopore direct mRNA sequencing dataset and a PacBio sequencing dataset generated on a mixture of 10 cancer cell lines, and found that LongGF achieved better performance to detect known gene fusions over existing computational tools. Furthermore, we tested LongGF on a Nanopore cDNA sequencing dataset on acute myeloid leukemia, and pinpointed the exact location of a translocation (previously known in cytogenetic resolution) in base resolution, which was further validated by Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSIONS In summary, LongGF will greatly facilitate the discovery of candidate gene fusion events from long-read RNA-Seq data, especially in cancer samples. LongGF is implemented in C++ and is available at https://github.com/WGLab/LongGF .
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yu Hu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andres Stucky
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Li Fang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jiang F Zhong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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197
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van IJzendoorn DGP, Salvatori DCF, Cao X, van den Hil F, Briaire-de Bruijn IH, de Jong D, Mei H, Mummery CL, Szuhai K, Bovée JVMG, Orlova VV. Vascular Tumor Recapitulated in Endothelial Cells from hiPSCs Engineered to Express the SERPINE1-FOSB Translocation. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 1:100153. [PMID: 33377124 PMCID: PMC7762773 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations are prevalent among soft tissue tumors, including those of the vasculature such as pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PHE). PHE shows endothelial cell (EC) features and has a tumor-specific t(7;19)(q22;q13) SERPINE1-FOSB translocation, but is difficult to study as no primary tumor cell lines have yet been derived. Here, we engineer the PHE chromosomal translocation into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using CRISPR/Cas9 and differentiate these into ECs (hiPSC-ECs) to address this. Comparison of parental with PHE hiPSC-ECs shows (1) elevated expression of FOSB, (2) higher proliferation and more tube formation but lower endothelial barrier function, (3) invasive growth and abnormal vessel formation in mice after transplantation, and (4) specific transcriptome alterations reflecting PHE and indicating PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways as possible therapeutic targets. The modified hiPSC-ECs thus recapitulate functional features of PHE and demonstrate how these translocation models can be used to understand tumorigenic mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. SERPINE1-FOSB translocation in hiPSC to model the vascular tumor PHE CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting to engineer hiPSCSERPINE1-FOSB hiPSC-ECsSERPINE1-FOSB show increased FOSB expression Functional features of PHE recapitulated by hiPSC-ECsSERPINE1-FOSB
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela C F Salvatori
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Francijna van den Hil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Danielle de Jong
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
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198
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Mc Connell L, Gazdova J, Beck K, Srivastava S, Harewood L, Stewart JP, Hübschmann D, Stenzinger A, Glimm H, Heilig CE, Fröhling S, Gonzalez D. Detection of Structural Variants in Circulating Cell-Free DNA from Sarcoma Patients Using Next Generation Sequencing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3627. [PMID: 33287361 PMCID: PMC7761870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis using next generation sequencing (NGS) is being implemented in clinical practice for treatment stratification and disease monitoring. However, using ctDNA to detect structural variants, a common occurrence in sarcoma, can be challenging. Here, we use a sarcoma-specific targeted NGS panel to identify translocations and copy number variants in a cohort of 12 tissue specimens and matched circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from soft tissue sarcoma patients, including alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 2), Ewing's Sarcoma (n = 2), synovial sarcoma (n = 2), extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (n = 1), clear cell sarcoma (n = 1), undifferentiated round cell sarcoma (n = 1), myxoid liposarcoma (n = 1), alveolar soft part cell sarcoma (n = 1) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (n = 1). Structural variants were detected in 11/12 (91.6%) and 6/12 (50%) of tissue and plasma samples, respectively. Structural variants were detected in cfDNA at variant allele frequencies >0.2% with an average sequencing depth of 1026×. The results from this cohort show clinical potential for using NGS in ctDNA to aid in the diagnosis and clinical monitoring of sarcomas and warrant additional studies in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Mc Connell
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Jana Gazdova
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Katja Beck
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.B.); (C.E.H.); (S.F.)
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Shambhavi Srivastava
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Louise Harewood
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
| | - JP Stewart
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Daniel Hübschmann
- Computational Oncology, Molecular Diagnostics Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanno Glimm
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Center for Personalized Oncology, National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) Dresden and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden at TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph E. Heilig
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.B.); (C.E.H.); (S.F.)
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Stefan Fröhling
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.B.); (C.E.H.); (S.F.)
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - David Gonzalez
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (L.M.C.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (L.H.); (J.S.)
- Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
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199
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Arnaud-Coffin P, Brahmi M, Vanacker H, Eberst L, Tredan O, Attignon V, Pissaloux D, Sohier E, Cassier P, Garin G, Pérol D, Blay JY, Dufresne A. Therapeutic relevance of molecular screening program in patients with metastatic sarcoma: Analysis from the ProfiLER 01 trial. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100870. [PMID: 32950930 PMCID: PMC7509228 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced sarcoma is a group of heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis and poor efficacy of medical treatment. They represent a promising group of tumors to assess molecular-based therapy (MBT) strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Genomic profiles of patients with advanced sarcoma included in the ProfiLER program were established by NGS using a 69 genes panel and CGH array. A weekly molecular board reviewed genomic reports to select relevant genomic alterations and propose recommendations for MBT. RESULTS A genomic profile was available for 158 of 164 patients. At least 1 relevant genomic alteration was reported for 106 patients (67%), with frequent multiple alterations (68%). In total, 289 relevant genomic alterations were identified in 143 different genes; 139 homozygous deletions, 86 gene amplifications and 64 somatic mutations. The most frequently impacted genes were TP53, Rb1, CDKN2A, CDK4, MDM2, and PTEN. MBT was recommended for 47 patients and initiated for 13 patients. One objective response was observed for an angiosarcoma treated with pazopanib for FLT4 amplification; 4 patients had a stable disease, including a long-lasting 33 months stabilization. CONCLUSION Genomic profiling for advanced sarcoma is feasible, even for bone sarcoma. A small proportion of patients are eventually treated with MBT, similar to other tumor types. We could not demonstrate this strategy to be beneficial to patients. Our data suggest that molecular profiling should not be used in routine practice but warrants further exploration in clinical trials, focusing on sarcoma with complex genomic, and adding transcriptomic analysis to the copy number and mutational analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Arnaud-Coffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France; University Claude Bernard, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Mehdi Brahmi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France; University Claude Bernard, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Vanacker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Lauriane Eberst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Tredan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Valery Attignon
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Sohier
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Cassier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Gwenaelle Garin
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - David Pérol
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France; University Claude Bernard, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Armelle Dufresne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France.
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Fusion genes as biomarkers in pediatric cancers: A review of the current state and applicability in diagnostics and personalized therapy. Cancer Lett 2020; 499:24-38. [PMID: 33248210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of pediatric cancers is rising steadily across the world, along with the challenges in understanding the molecular mechanisms and devising effective therapeutic strategies. Pediatric cancers are presented with diverse molecular characteristics and more distinct subtypes when compared to adult cancers. Recent studies on the genomic landscape of pediatric cancers using next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have redefined this field by providing better subtype characterization and novel actionable targets. Since early identification and personalized treatment strategies influence therapeutic outcomes, survival, and quality of life in pediatric cancer patients, the quest for actionable biomarkers is of great value in this field. Fusion genes that are prevalent and recurrent in several pediatric cancers are ideally suited in this context due to their disease-specific occurrence. In this review, we explore the current status of fusion genes in pediatric cancer subtypes and their use as biomarkers for diagnosis and personalized therapy. We discuss the technological advancements made in recent years in NGS sequencing and their impact on fusion detection algorithms that have revolutionized this field. Finally, we also discuss the advantages of pairing liquid biopsy protocols for fusion detection and their eventual use in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
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