251
|
Missero C, Antonini D. Crosstalk among p53 family members in cutaneous carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2014; 23:143-6. [PMID: 24417641 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common human cancer with a frequency increasing worldwide. The risk of developing cSCC has been strongly associated with chronic sun exposure, especially in light skin people. The aim of this viewpoint is to discuss the contribution of the tumor suppressor p53 and its homologues p63 and p73 in the formation and progression of cSCC. Mutations in the p53 gene are early and frequent events in skin carcinogenesis mainly as a consequence of UV light exposure, often followed by loss of function of the second allele. Although rarely mutated in cancer, p63 and p73 play key roles in human cancers, with their truncated isoforms lacking the N-terminal transactivating domain (∆N) being often upregulated as compared to normal tissues. ∆Np63 is abundantly expressed in cSCC, and it is likely to favour tumor initiation and progression. The function of p73 in cSCC is more enigmatic and awaits further studies. Interestingly, an intimate interplay exists between both p53 and p63, and the Notch signalling pathway, often inactivated in cSCC. Here, we summarize our current knowledge about the biological activities of p53 family members in cSCC and propose that integration of their signalling with Notch is key to cSCC formation and progression.
Collapse
|
252
|
Groeneweg JW, Foster R, Growdon WB, Verheijen RHM, Rueda BR. Notch signaling in serous ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2014; 7:95. [PMID: 25366565 PMCID: PMC4228063 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-014-0095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecologic malignancies because women commonly present with advanced stage disease and develop chemotherapy refractory tumors. While cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum based chemotherapy are initially effective, ovarian tumors have a high propensity to recur highlighting the distinct need for novel therapeutics to improve outcomes for affected women. The Notch signaling pathway plays an established role in embryologic development and deregulation of this signaling cascade has been linked to many cancers. Recent genomic profiling of serous ovarian carcinoma revealed that Notch pathway alterations are among the most prevalent detected genomic changes. A growing body of scientific literature has confirmed heightened Notch signaling activity in ovarian carcinoma, and has utilized in vitro and in vivo models to suggest that targeting this pathway with gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) leads to anti-tumor effects. While it is currently unknown if Notch pathway inhibition can offer clinical benefit to women with ovarian cancer, several GSIs are currently in phase I and II trials across many disease sites including ovary. This review will provide background on Notch pathway function and will focus on the pre-clinical literature that links altered Notch signaling to ovarian cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolijn W Groeneweg
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rosemary Foster
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Whitfield B Growdon
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - René H M Verheijen
- Division of Woman and Baby, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bo R Rueda
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
253
|
Frede J, Adams DJ, Jones PH. Mutation, clonal fitness and field change in epithelial carcinogenesis. J Pathol 2014; 234:296-301. [PMID: 25046364 DOI: 10.1002/path.4409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developments in lineage tracing in mouse models have revealed how stem cells maintain normal squamous and glandular epithelia. Here we review recent quantitative studies tracing the fate of individual mutant stem cells which have uncovered how common oncogenic mutations alter cell behaviour, creating clones with a growth advantage that may persist long term. In the intestine this occurs by a mutant clone colonizing an entire crypt, whilst in the squamous oesophagus blocking differentiation creates clones that expand to colonize large areas of epithelium, a phenomenon known as field change. We consider the implications of these findings for early cancer evolution and the cancer stem cell hypothesis, and the prospects of targeted cancer prevention by purging mutant clones from normal-appearing epithelia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Frede
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
254
|
Guo H, Lu Y, Wang J, Liu X, Keller ET, Liu Q, Zhou Q, Zhang J. Targeting the Notch signaling pathway in cancer therapeutics. Thorac Cancer 2014; 5:473-86. [PMID: 26767041 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in surgery, imaging, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the poor overall cancer-related death rate remains unacceptable. Novel therapeutic strategies are desperately needed. Nowadays, targeted therapy has become the most promising therapy and a welcome asset to the cancer therapeutic arena. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that the Notch signaling pathway is critically involved in the pathobiology of a variety of malignancies. In this review, we provide an overview of emerging data, highlight the mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway in the development of a wide range of cancers, and summarize recent progress in therapeutic targeting of the Notch signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huajiao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases, Ministry of Education Nanning, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Nanning, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases, Ministry of Education Nanning, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Nanning, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Ministry of Education Shanghai, China; Institute of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases, Ministry of Education Nanning, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Nanning, China
| | - Evan T Keller
- Department of Urology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Qian Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases, Ministry of Education Nanning, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Nanning, China; Department of Urology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
255
|
Xu X, Huang L, Futtner C, Schwab B, Rampersad RR, Lu Y, Sporn TA, Hogan BLM, Onaitis MW. The cell of origin and subtype of K-Ras-induced lung tumors are modified by Notch and Sox2. Genes Dev 2014; 28:1929-39. [PMID: 25184679 PMCID: PMC4197950 DOI: 10.1101/gad.243717.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
K-Ras activation with a CC10(Scgb1a1)-CreER driver leads to lung adenocarcinoma in a subset of alveolar type II cells and hyperplasia in the bronchioalveolar duct region. Xu et al. find that Notch inhibition strongly inhibits adenocarcinoma formation but promotes squamous hyperplasia in the alveoli. In contrast, activation of Notch leads to widespread Sox2+, Sox9+, and CC10+ papillary adenocarcinomas throughout the bronchioles. Sox2 binds to NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 regulatory regions and reduces Notch1 and Notch2 transcripts. This study shows that the cell of origin of K-Ras-induced tumors depends on levels of Sox2 expression affecting Notch signaling. Cell type-specific conditional activation of oncogenic K-Ras is a powerful tool for investigating the cell of origin of adenocarcinomas in the mouse lung. Our previous studies showed that K-Ras activation with a CC10(Scgb1a1)-CreER driver leads to adenocarcinoma in a subset of alveolar type II cells and hyperplasia in the bronchioalveolar duct region. However, no tumors develop in the bronchioles, although recombination occurs throughout this region. To explore underlying mechanisms, we simultaneously modulated either Notch signaling or Sox2 levels in the CC10+ cells along with activation of K-Ras. Inhibition of Notch strongly inhibits adenocarcinoma formation but promotes squamous hyperplasia in the alveoli. In contrast, activation of Notch leads to widespread Sox2+, Sox9+, and CC10+ papillary adenocarcinomas throughout the bronchioles. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates Sox2 binding to NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 regulatory regions. In transgenic mouse models, overexpression of Sox2 leads to a significant reduction of Notch1 and Notch2 transcripts, while a 50% reduction in Sox2 leads to widespread papillary adenocarcinoma in the bronchioles. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the cell of origin of K-Ras-induced tumors in the lung depends on levels of Sox2 expression affecting Notch signaling. In addition, the subtype of tumors arising from type II cells is determined in part by Notch activation or suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xu
- Department of Surgery, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Lingling Huang
- Department of Surgery, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | | | - Brian Schwab
- Department of Surgery, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Rishi R Rampersad
- Department of Surgery, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yun Lu
- Department of Toxicology, Tsingua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Thomas A Sporn
- Department of Pathology, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Brigid L M Hogan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Mark W Onaitis
- Department of Surgery, Duke Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
256
|
Balmain A, Yuspa SH. Milestones in skin carcinogenesis: the biology of multistage carcinogenesis. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:E2-7. [PMID: 25302469 DOI: 10.1038/skinbio.2014.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Allan Balmain
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stuart H Yuspa
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
257
|
Messersmith WA, Shapiro GI, Cleary JM, Jimeno A, Dasari A, Huang B, Shaik MN, Cesari R, Zheng X, Reynolds JM, English PA, McLachlan KR, Kern KA, LoRusso PM. A Phase I, dose-finding study in patients with advanced solid malignancies of the oral γ-secretase inhibitor PF-03084014. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 21:60-7. [PMID: 25231399 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for continuous oral administration of the γ-secretase inhibitor PF-03084014, determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), and evaluate safety and preliminary activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This open-label, phase I study consisted of a dose-finding portion based on a 3+3 design, followed by an expansion cohort. PF-03084014 was administered orally, twice daily (BID) for 21 continuous days. Tested doses ranged from 20 to 330 mg BID. In the expansion cohort, patients were to receive the estimated MTD or a lower dose of PF-03084014. RESULTS A total of 64 patients received treatment. The MTD was estimated to be 220 mg BID. The RP2D was determined to be 150 mg BID, based on the better safety profile versus the 220-mg BID dose, given comparable NOTCH-related target inhibition. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, hypophosphatemia, vomiting, rash, and decreased appetite, which were generally mild to moderate in severity. One patient with advanced thyroid cancer had a complete response, and five of seven response-evaluable patients with desmoid tumor achieved a partial response (71.4% objective response rate). Tumor responses were mostly durable, ranging from 1.74+ to 24+ months. PF-03084014 demonstrated a generally dose-dependent pharmacokinetic profile at doses ranging from 20 to 330 mg BID. Consistent downmodulation of NOTCH-related HES4 gene expression was observed in peripheral blood from all evaluable patients. CONCLUSION Further development of PF-03084014 for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors is warranted and currently under evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Arvind Dasari
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Bo Huang
- Pfizer Oncology, San Diego, California/Groton, Connecticut
| | - M Naveed Shaik
- Pfizer Oncology, San Diego, California/Groton, Connecticut
| | | | - Xianxian Zheng
- Pfizer Oncology, San Diego, California/Groton, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth A Kern
- Pfizer Oncology, San Diego, California/Groton, Connecticut
| | | |
Collapse
|
258
|
A new tumor suppressor role for the Notch pathway in bladder cancer. Nat Med 2014; 20:1199-205. [PMID: 25194568 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway controls cell fates through interactions between neighboring cells by positively or negatively affecting the processes of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in a context-dependent manner. This pathway has been implicated in human cancer as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. Here we report new inactivating mutations in Notch pathway components in over 40% of human bladder cancers examined. Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the male population of the United States. Thus far, driver mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and, less commonly, in RAS proteins have been identified. We show that Notch activation in bladder cancer cells suppresses proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by directly upregulating dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs), thus reducing the phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK1/2). In mouse models, genetic inactivation of Notch signaling leads to Erk1/2 phosphorylation, resulting in tumorigenesis in the urinary tract. Collectively our findings show that loss of Notch activity is a driving event in urothelial cancer.
Collapse
|
259
|
Huang PY, Balmain A. Modeling cutaneous squamous carcinoma development in the mouse. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a013623. [PMID: 25183851 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a013623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers in Caucasian populations and is associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The classic mouse model for studying SCC involves two-stage chemical carcinogenesis, which has been instrumental in the evolution of the concept of multistage carcinogenesis, as widely applied to both human and mouse cancers. Much is now known about the sequence of biological and genetic events that occur in this skin carcinogenesis model and the factors that can influence the course of tumor development, such as perturbations in the oncogene/tumor-suppressor signaling pathways involved, the nature of the target cell that acquires the first genetic hit, and the role of inflammation. Increasingly, studies of tumor-initiating cells, malignant progression, and metastasis in mouse skin cancer models will have the potential to inform future approaches to treatment and chemoprevention of human squamous malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillips Y Huang
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Allan Balmain
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| |
Collapse
|
260
|
Riaz N, Morris LG, Lee W, Chan TA. Unraveling the molecular genetics of head and neck cancer through genome-wide approaches. Genes Dis 2014; 1:75-86. [PMID: 25642447 PMCID: PMC4310010 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen an unprecedented increase in our understanding of the biology and etiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Genome-wide sequencing projects have identified a number of recurrently mutated genes, including unexpected alterations in the NOTCH pathway and chromatin related genes. Gene-expression profiling has identified 4 distinct genetic subtypes which show some parallels to lung squamous cell carcinoma biology. The identification of the human papilloma virus as one causative agent in a subset of oropharyngeal cancers and their association with a favorable prognosis has opened up avenues for new therapeutic strategies. The expanding knowledge of the underlying molecular abnormalities in this once very poorly understood cancer should allow for increasingly rational clinical trial design and improved patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luc G. Morris
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy A. Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Human Oncology and Pathogenesis, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
261
|
Greife A, Jankowiak S, Steinbring J, Nikpour P, Niegisch G, Hoffmann MJ, Schulz WA. Canonical Notch signalling is inactive in urothelial carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:628. [PMID: 25167871 PMCID: PMC4242495 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Notch signalling regulates cell fate in most tissues, promoting precursor cell proliferation in some, but differentiation in others. Accordingly, downregulation or overactivity variously contributes to cancer development. So far, little is known about Notch pathway activity and function in the normal urothelium and in urothelial carcinoma (UC). We have therefore investigated expression of Notch pathway components in UC tissues and cell lines and studied the function of one receptor, NOTCH1, in detail. METHODS Expression of canonical Notch pathway components were studied in UC and normal bladder tissues by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR and in UC cell lines and normal cultured urothelial cells by qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Pathway activity was measured by reporter gene assays. Its influence on cell proliferation was investigated by γ-secretase inhibition. Effects of NOTCH1 restoration were followed by measuring cell cycle distribution, proliferation, clonogenicity and nuclear morphology. RESULTS NOTCH1 and its ligand, DLL1, were expressed at plasma membranes and in the cytoplasm of cells in the upper normal urothelium layer, but became downregulated in UC tissues, especially in high-stage tumours. In addition, the proteins were often delocalized intracellularly. According differences were observed in UC cell lines compared to normal urothelial cells. Canonical Notch pathway activity in reporter assays was repressed in UC cell lines compared to normal cells and a mammary carcinoma cell line, but was induced by transfected NOTCH1. Inhibitors of Notch signalling acting at the γ-secretase step did not affect UC cell proliferation at concentrations efficacious against a cell line with known Notch activity. Surprisingly, overexpression of NOTCH1 into UC cell lines did not significantly affect short-term cell proliferation, but induced nuclear abnormalities and diminished clonogenicity. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that canonical Notch signalling is suppressed in urothelial carcinoma mainly through downregulation of NOTCH1. These findings can be explained by proposing that canonical Notch signalling may promote differentiation in the urothelium, like in many squamous epithelia, and its suppression may therefore be advantageous for tumour progression. As an important corollary, inhibition of canonical Notch signalling is unlikely to be efficacious and might be counter-productive in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wolfgang A Schulz
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
262
|
Kraft S, Granter SR. Molecular pathology of skin neoplasms of the head and neck. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2014; 138:759-87. [PMID: 24878016 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2013-0157-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Skin neoplasms include the most common malignancies affecting humans. Many show an ultraviolet (UV)-induced pathogenesis and often affect the head and neck region. OBJECTIVE To review literature on cutaneous neoplasms that show a predilection for the head and neck region and that are associated with molecular alterations. DATA SOURCES Literature review. CONCLUSIONS Common nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, show a UV-induced pathogenesis. Basal cell carcinomas are characterized by molecular alterations of the Hedgehog pathway, affecting patched and smoothened genes. While squamous cell carcinomas show UV-induced mutations in several genes, driver mutations are only beginning to be identified. In addition, certain adnexal neoplasms also predominantly affect the head and neck region and show interesting, recently discovered molecular abnormalities, or are associated with hereditary conditions whose molecular genetic pathogenesis is well understood. Furthermore, recent advances have led to an increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of melanoma. Certain melanoma subtypes, such as lentigo maligna melanoma and desmoplastic melanoma, which are more often seen on the chronically sun-damaged skin of the head and neck, show differences in their molecular signature when compared to the other more common subtypes, such as superficial spreading melanoma, which are more prone to occur at sites with acute intermittent sun damage. In summary, molecular alterations in cutaneous neoplasms of the head and neck are often related to UV exposure. Their molecular footprint often reflects the histologic tumor type, and familiarity with these changes will be increasingly necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kraft
- From the Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Kraft); and the Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Granter)
| | | |
Collapse
|
263
|
Stoeck A, Lejnine S, Truong A, Pan L, Wang H, Zang C, Yuan J, Ware C, MacLean J, Garrett-Engele PW, Kluk M, Laskey J, Haines BB, Moskaluk C, Zawel L, Fawell S, Gilliland G, Zhang T, Kremer BE, Knoechel B, Bernstein BE, Pear WS, Liu XS, Aster JC, Sathyanarayanan S. Discovery of biomarkers predictive of GSI response in triple-negative breast cancer and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:1154-67. [PMID: 25104330 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Next-generation sequencing was used to identify Notch mutations in a large collection of diverse solid tumors. NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 rearrangements leading to constitutive receptor activation were confined to triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC; 6 of 66 tumors). TNBC cell lines with NOTCH1 rearrangements associated with high levels of activated NOTCH1 (N1-ICD) were sensitive to the gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) MRK-003, both alone and in combination with paclitaxel, in vitro and in vivo, whereas cell lines with NOTCH2 rearrangements were resistant to GSI. Immunohistochemical staining of N1-ICD in TNBC xenografts correlated with responsiveness, and expression levels of the direct Notch target gene HES4 correlated with outcome in patients with TNBC. Activating NOTCH1 point mutations were also identified in other solid tumors, including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Notably, ACC primary tumor xenografts with activating NOTCH1 mutations and high N1-ICD levels were sensitive to GSI, whereas N1-ICD-low tumors without NOTCH1 mutations were resistant. SIGNIFICANCE NOTCH1 mutations, immunohistochemical staining for activated NOTCH1, and HES4 expression are biomarkers that can be used to identify solid tumors that are likely to respond to GSI-based therapies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers
- Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/genetics
- Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cellular Senescence/drug effects
- Cyclic S-Oxides/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Exome
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Rearrangement
- Genes, myc
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation
- Prognosis
- Protease Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Conformation
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Receptors, Notch/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Notch/chemistry
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Thiadiazoles/pharmacology
- Treatment Outcome
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li Pan
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hongfang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chongzhi Zang
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jing Yuan
- Merck Research Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chris Ware
- Merck Research Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John MacLean
- Merck Research Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Michael Kluk
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jason Laskey
- Merck Research Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Christopher Moskaluk
- Department of Medicine and Digestive Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Leigh Zawel
- Merck Research Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Brandon E Kremer
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Birgit Knoechel
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bradley E Bernstein
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Warren S Pear
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - X Shirley Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jon C Aster
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | |
Collapse
|
264
|
Bar J, Cyjon A, Flex D, Sorotsky H, Biran H, Dudnik J, Peylan-Ramu N, Peled N, Nechushtan H, Gips M, Katsnelson R, Rosenberg SK, Merimsky O, Onn A, Gottfried M. EGFR mutation testing practice in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Lung 2014; 192:759-63. [PMID: 24964874 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-014-9604-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Testing tumor samples for the presence of a mutation in the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is recommended for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We aimed to collect data about common practice among Medical Oncologists treating lung cancer patients, regarding EGFR mutation testing in advanced NSCLC patients. METHODS An internet-based survey was conducted among members of the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy involved in the treatment of lung cancer patients. RESULTS 24 Oncologists participated in the survey. The participants encompass the Oncologists treating most of the lung cancer patients in Israel. 79% of them use EGFR testing routinely for all advanced NSCLC patients. Opinions were split regarding the preferable biopsy site for EGFR testing material. 60% of participants recommend waiting for EGFR test results prior to initiation of first-line therapy. CONCLUSIONS EGFR testing is requested in Israel routinely by most treating Oncologists for all advanced NSCLC patients, regardless of histology. In most cases, systemic treatment is deferred until the results of this test are received.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jair Bar
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
265
|
Abstract
The Notch signalling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and is crucial for the development and homeostasis of most tissues. Deregulated Notch signalling leads to various diseases, such as T cell leukaemia, Alagille syndrome and a stroke and dementia syndrome known as CADASIL, and so strategies to therapeutically modulate Notch signalling are of interest. Clinical trials of Notch pathway inhibitors in patients with solid tumours have been reported, and several approaches are under preclinical evaluation. In this Review, we focus on aspects of the pathway that are amenable to therapeutic intervention, diseases that could be targeted and the various Notch pathway modulation strategies that are currently being explored.
Collapse
|
266
|
Alcolea MP, Greulich P, Wabik A, Frede J, Simons BD, Jones PH. Differentiation imbalance in single oesophageal progenitor cells causes clonal immortalization and field change. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:615-22. [PMID: 24814514 PMCID: PMC4085550 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Multiple cancers may arise from within a clonal region of preneoplastic epithelium, a phenomenon termed 'field change'. However, it is not known how field change develops. Here we investigate this question using lineage tracing to track the behaviour of scattered single oesophageal epithelial progenitor cells expressing a mutation that inhibits the Notch signalling pathway. Notch is frequently subject to inactivating mutation in squamous cancers. Quantitative analysis reveals that cell divisions that produce two differentiated daughters are absent from mutant progenitors. As a result, mutant clones are no longer lost by differentiation and become functionally immortal. Furthermore, mutant cells promote the differentiation of neighbouring wild-type cells, which are then lost from the tissue. These effects lead to clonal expansion, with mutant cells eventually replacing the entire epithelium. Notch inhibition in progenitors carrying p53 stabilizing mutations creates large confluent regions of doubly mutant epithelium. Field change is thus a consequence of imbalanced differentiation in individual progenitor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria P. Alcolea
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Philip Greulich
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Agnieszka Wabik
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Julia Frede
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Benjamin D. Simons
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
- The Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip H. Jones
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
267
|
NOTCH and PTEN in prostate cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2014; 56:51-65. [PMID: 24933481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, our understanding of the role that Notch-signaling has in tumorigenesis has shifted from leukemogenesis into cancers of solid tumors. Emerging data suggests that in addition to direct effects mediated through the canonical Notch pathway, Notch may participate in epithelial tumor development through regulation of pathways such as PTEN/PI3K/Akt. Prostate cancer is a disease for which PTEN gene expression is especially essential. This review will summarize a role for Notch in prostate development and cancer with an emphasis on how the Notch pathway may intersect with PTEN/PI3K/Akt and mTOR signaling.
Collapse
|
268
|
An SM, Ding Q, Zhang J, Xie J, Li L. Targeting stem cell signaling pathways for drug discovery: advances in the Notch and Wnt pathways. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2014; 57:575-80. [PMID: 24829106 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways transduce extracellular stimuli into cells through molecular cascades to regulate cellular functions. In stem cells, a small number of pathways, notably those of TGF-β/BMP, Hedgehog, Notch, and Wnt, are responsible for the regulation of pluripotency and differentiation. During embryonic development, these pathways govern cell fate specifications as well as the formation of tissues and organs. In adulthood, their normal functions are important for tissue homeostasis and regeneration, whereas aberrations result in diseases, such as cancer and degenerative disorders. In complex biological systems, stem cell signaling pathways work in concert as a network and exhibit crosstalk, such as the negative crosstalk between Wnt and Notch. Over the past decade, genetic and genomic studies have identified a number of potential drug targets that are involved in stem cell signaling pathways. Indeed, discovery of new targets and drugs for these pathways has become one of the most active areas in both the research community and pharmaceutical industry. Remarkable progress has been made and several promising drug candidates have entered into clinical trials. This review focuses on recent advances in the discovery of novel drugs which target the Notch and Wnt pathways.
Collapse
|
269
|
Wael H, Yoshida R, Kudoh S, Hasegawa K, Niimori-Kita K, Ito T. Notch1 signaling controls cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation in lung carcinoma. Lung Cancer 2014; 85:131-40. [PMID: 24888228 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The role of Notch signaling in human lung cancer still remains unclear, and there has been and stills a debate, on the extent to which Notch ligands and receptors are involved in lung cancer development. This study was carried out to investigate the role of Notch1 signaling in the proliferation and differentiation of human lung cancer cells. METHODS We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to down-regulate the expression of Notch1 in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells; H69AR and SBC-3, as well as in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells; A549 adenocarcinoma (ADC) and H2170 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Also, we transfected venus Notch1 intracellular domain (v.NICD) plasmid into the human SCLC line H69 and H1688. In addition, H1688 cells with activated Notch1 were injected into immune-compromised Rag2(-/-) Jak3(-/-) mice for analysis of ex vivo tumor growth and differentiation phenotype. RESULTS Notch1 controls cell proliferation and apoptosis in both SCLC and A549; but not in H2170 cell line. Overexpression of Notch1 in SCLC markedly decreased cell proliferation via apoptosis. The subcutaneous tumors arising from xenotransplaned SCLC cells transfected with Notch1 showed "epithelial-like glandular" arrangement, with positive Alcian blue staining and reduction in neuroendocrine markers. CONCLUSION Notch1 up regulation has an inhibitory effect on cell growth and NE differentiation in SCLC, with induction of an epithelial-like morphology of cells in tissue samples. In NSCLC, Notch1 expression has a tumor inhibitory effect on ADC cells, but not SCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Wael
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Ryoji Yoshida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Shinji Kudoh
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Kohki Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Kanako Niimori-Kita
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ito
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
270
|
Minicucci EM, da Silva GN, Salvadori DMF. Relationship between head and neck cancer therapy and some genetic endpoints. World J Clin Oncol 2014; 5:93-102. [PMID: 24829856 PMCID: PMC4014801 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common human malignancy worldwide. The main forms of treatment for HNC are surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). However, the choice of therapy depends on the tumor staging and approaches, which are aimed at organ preservation. Because of systemic RT and CT genotoxicity, one of the important side effects is a secondary cancer that can result from the activity of radiation and antineoplastic drugs on healthy cells. Ionizing radiation can affect the DNA, causing single and double-strand breaks, DNA-protein crosslinks and oxidative damage. The severity of radiotoxicity can be directly associated with the radiation dosimetry and the dose-volume differences. Regarding CT, cisplatin is still the standard protocol for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, the most common cancer located in the oral cavity. However, simultaneous treatment with cisplatin, bleomycin and 5-fluorouracil or treatment with paclitaxel and cisplatin are also used. These drugs can interact with the DNA, causing DNA crosslinks, double and single-strand breaks and changes in gene expression. Currently, the late effects of therapy have become a recurring problem, mainly due to the increased survival of HNC patients. Herein, we present an update of the systemic activity of RT and CT for HNC, with a focus on their toxicogenetic and toxicogenomic effects.
Collapse
|
271
|
Cialfi S, Palermo R, Manca S, De Blasio C, Vargas Romero P, Checquolo S, Bellavia D, Uccelletti D, Saliola M, D'Alessandro A, Zolla L, Gulino A, Screpanti I, Talora C. Loss of Notch1-dependent p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression influences the Notch1 outcome in tumorigenesis. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:2046-55. [PMID: 24801890 DOI: 10.4161/cc.29079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling plays a complex role in carcinogenesis, and its signaling pathway has both tumor-suppressor and oncogenic components. In this study we investigated the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on Notch1 signaling outcome in keratinocyte biology. We demonstrate that Notch1 function contributes to the arsenic-induced keratinocyte transformation. We found that acute exposure to arsenite increases oxidative stress and inhibits proliferation of keratinocyte cells by upregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1). The necessity of p21(waf1/Cip1) for arsenite-induced cell death was demonstrated by targeted downregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1) by using RNA interference. We further demonstrated that on acute exposure to arsenite, p21(waf1/Cip1) is upregulated and Notch1 downmodulated, whereas on chronic exposure to arsenite, malignant progression of arsenite-treated keratinocytes cells was accompanied by regained expression and activity of Notch1. Notch1 activity in arsenite-transformed keratinocytes inhibits arsenite-induced upregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1) by sustaining c-myc expression. We further demonstrated that c-myc collaborates with Nrf2, a key regulator for the maintenance of redox homeostasis, to promote metabolic activities that support cell proliferation and cytoprotection. Therefore, Notch1-mediated repression of p21(waf1/Cip1) expression results in the inhibition of cell death and keratinocytes transformation. Our results not only demonstrate that sustained Notch1 expression is at least one key event implicated in the arsenite human skin carcinogenic effect, but also may provide mechanistic insights into the molecular aspects that determine whether Notch signaling will be either oncogenic or tumor suppressive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Center for Life Nanosciences at Sapienza; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Manca
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo De Blasio
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical-Surgical Sciences; Sapienza University; Latina, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Saliola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences; University of Tuscia; Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences; University of Tuscia; Viterbo, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nanosciences at Sapienza; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Rome, Italy; Neuromed Institute; Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
272
|
Kunz M. New developments in dermatological oncogenetics. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014; 11:831-6. [PMID: 23957481 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activated intracellular signaling pathways based on mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play an important role in a variety of malignant tumors. In dermatology, such mutations have been identified in melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These have partly led to the establishment of new, targeted therapies. Treatment successes have been particularly impressive for melanoma with small molecule inhibitors directed against the mutated BRAF oncogene and in basal cell carcinoma with inhibitors directed against the hedgehog signaling pathway. New sequencing technologies, in particular next generation sequencing, have led to a better and more comprehensive understanding of malignant tumors. This approach confirmed the pathogenic role of BRAF, NRAS and MAP kinase pathways for melanoma. At the same time, a series of further interesting target molecules with oncogenic mutations such as ERBB4, GRIN2A, GRM3, PREX2, RAC1 and TP53 were identified. New aspects have recently been shown for squamous cell carcinoma by detection of mutations in the NOTCH signaling pathway. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of these and other tumors should lead to improved and maybe even individualized treatment. The current developments in dermatological oncogenetics based on the new sequencing technologies are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
273
|
Molecular mechanisms of HPV induced carcinogenesis in head and neck. Oral Oncol 2014; 50:356-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
274
|
Jung H, Bleazard T, Lee J, Hong D. Systematic investigation of cancer-associated somatic point mutations in SNP databases. Nat Biotechnol 2014; 31:787-9. [PMID: 24022151 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- HyunChul Jung
- 1] Cancer Genomics Branch, Division of Convergence Technology, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. [2] Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
275
|
Brooks YS, Ostano P, Jo SH, Dai J, Getsios S, Dziunycz P, Hofbauer GFL, Cerveny K, Chiorino G, Lefort K, Dotto GP. Multifactorial ERβ and NOTCH1 control of squamous differentiation and cancer. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2260-76. [PMID: 24743148 DOI: 10.1172/jci72718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Downmodulation or loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding NOTCH1 are associated with dysfunctional squamous cell differentiation and development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in skin and internal organs. While NOTCH1 receptor activation has been well characterized, little is known about how NOTCH1 gene transcription is regulated. Using bioinformatics and functional screening approaches, we identified several regulators of the NOTCH1 gene in keratinocytes, with the transcription factors DLX5 and EGR3 and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) directly controlling its expression in differentiation. DLX5 and ERG3 are required for RNA polymerase II (PolII) recruitment to the NOTCH1 locus, while ERβ controls NOTCH1 transcription through RNA PolII pause release. Expression of several identified NOTCH1 regulators, including ERβ, is frequently compromised in skin, head and neck, and lung SCCs and SCC-derived cell lines. Furthermore, a keratinocyte ERβ-dependent program of gene expression is subverted in SCCs from various body sites, and there are consistent differences in mutation and gene-expression signatures of head and neck and lung SCCs in female versus male patients. Experimentally increased ERβ expression or treatment with ERβ agonists inhibited proliferation of SCC cells and promoted NOTCH1 expression and squamous differentiation both in vitro and in mouse xenotransplants. Our data identify a link between transcriptional control of NOTCH1 expression and the estrogen response in keratinocytes, with implications for differentiation therapy of squamous cancer.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Loci
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- RNA Polymerase II/genetics
- RNA Polymerase II/metabolism
- Receptor, Notch1/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Notch1/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
Collapse
|
276
|
Chen B, Brinkmann K, Chen Z, Pak CW, Liao Y, Shi S, Henry L, Grishin NV, Bogdan S, Rosen MK. The WAVE regulatory complex links diverse receptors to the actin cytoskeleton. Cell 2014; 156:195-207. [PMID: 24439376 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) controls actin cytoskeletal dynamics throughout the cell by stimulating the actin-nucleating activity of the Arp2/3 complex at distinct membrane sites. However, the factors that recruit the WRC to specific locations remain poorly understood. Here, we have identified a large family of potential WRC ligands, consisting of ∼120 diverse membrane proteins, including protocadherins, ROBOs, netrin receptors, neuroligins, GPCRs, and channels. Structural, biochemical, and cellular studies reveal that a sequence motif that defines these ligands binds to a highly conserved interaction surface of the WRC formed by the Sra and Abi subunits. Mutating this binding surface in flies resulted in defects in actin cytoskeletal organization and egg morphology during oogenesis, leading to female sterility. Our findings directly link diverse membrane proteins to the WRC and actin cytoskeleton and have broad physiological and pathological ramifications in metazoans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Klaus Brinkmann
- Institut für Neurobiologie, Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Zhucheng Chen
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chi W Pak
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuxing Liao
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shuoyong Shi
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lisa Henry
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nick V Grishin
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sven Bogdan
- Institut für Neurobiologie, Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Michael K Rosen
- Department of Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
277
|
Imielinski M, Hammerman PS, Thomas R, Meyerson M. Somatic Genome Alterations in Human Lung Cancers. Lung Cancer 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118468791.ch4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
278
|
NOTCH1 mutations occur early during cutaneous squamous cell carcinogenesis. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2630-2638. [PMID: 24662767 PMCID: PMC4753672 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous SCC (cSCC) is the most frequent skin cancer with metastatic potential and can manifest rapidly as a common side effect in patients receiving systemic kinase inhibitors. Here we use massively parallel exome and targeted level sequencing 132 sporadic cSCC, 39 squamoproliferative lesions and cSCC arising in patients receiving the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, as well as 10 normal skin samples to identify significant NOTCH1 mutation as an early event in squamous cell carcinogenesis. Bisected vemurafenib induced lesions revealed surprising heterogeneity with different activating HRAS and NOTCH1 mutations identified in two halves of the same cSCC suggesting polyclonal origin. Immunohistochemical analysis using an antibody specific to nuclear NOTCH1 correlates with mutation status in sporadic cSCC and regions of NOTCH1 loss or down-regulation are frequently observed in normal looking skin. Our data indicate that NOTCH1 acts as a gatekeeper in human cSCC.
Collapse
|
279
|
Bejar C, Maubec E. Therapy of Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2014; 15:302-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s11864-014-0280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
280
|
Ntziachristos P, Lim JS, Sage J, Aifantis I. From fly wings to targeted cancer therapies: a centennial for notch signaling. Cancer Cell 2014; 25:318-34. [PMID: 24651013 PMCID: PMC4040351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since Notch phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster were first identified 100 years ago, Notch signaling has been extensively characterized as a regulator of cell-fate decisions in a variety of organisms and tissues. However, in the past 20 years, accumulating evidence has linked alterations in the Notch pathway to tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the protumorigenic and tumor-suppressive functions of Notch signaling, and dissect the molecular mechanisms that underlie these functions in hematopoietic cancers and solid tumors. Finally, we link these mechanisms and observations to possible therapeutic strategies targeting the Notch pathway in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Cancer Institute and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jing Shan Lim
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Iannis Aifantis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Cancer Institute and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
281
|
Zhu Z, Todorova K, Lee KK, Wang J, Kwon E, Kehayov I, Kim HG, Kolev V, Dotto GP, Lee SW, Mandinova A. Small GTPase RhoE/Rnd3 is a critical regulator of Notch1 signaling. Cancer Res 2014; 74:2082-93. [PMID: 24525741 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aberrations of Notch signaling have been implicated in a variety of human cancers. Oncogenic mutations in NOTCH1 are common in human T-cell leukemia and lymphomas. However, loss-of-function somatic mutations in NOTCH1 arising in solid tumors imply a tumor suppressor function, which highlights the need to understand Notch signaling more completely. Here, we describe the small GTPase RhoE/Rnd3 as a downstream mediator of Notch signaling in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that arise in skin epithelia. RhoE is a transcriptional target of activated Notch1, which is attenuated broadly in SCC cells. RhoE depletion suppresses Notch1-mediated signaling in vitro, rendering primary keratinocytes resistant to Notch1-mediated differentiation and thereby favoring a proliferative cell fate. Mechanistic investigations indicated that RhoE controls a key step in Notch1 signaling by mediating nuclear translocation of the activated portion of Notch1 (N1IC) through interaction with importins. Our results define RhoE as a Notch1 target that is essential for recruitment of N1IC to the promoters of Notch1 target genes, establishing a regulatory feedback loop in Notch1 signaling. This molecular circuitry may inform distinct cell fate decisions to Notch1 in epithelial tissues, where carcinomas such as SCC arise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Zhu
- Authors' Affiliations: Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge Center, Massachusetts; Institute of Immunology, Sofia, Bulgaria; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
282
|
|
283
|
Abstract
Notch signaling is probably the most widely used intercellular communication pathway. The Notch mutant in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster was isolated about 100 years ago at the dawn of genetics. Since then, research on Notch and its related genes in flies, worms, mice, and human has led to the establishment of an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway, the Notch signaling pathway. In the past few decades, molecular cloning of the Notch signaling components as well as genetic, cell biological, biochemical, structural, and bioinformatic approaches have uncovered the basic molecular logic of the pathway. In addition, genetic screens and systems approaches have led to the expansion of the list of genes that interact and fine-tune the pathway in a context specific manner. Furthermore, recent human genetic and genomic studies have led to the discovery that Notch plays a role in numerous diseases such as congenital disorders, stroke, and especially cancer. Pharmacological studies are actively pursuing key components of the pathway as drug targets for potential therapy. In this chapter, we will provide a brief historical overview of Notch signaling research and discuss the basic principles of Notch signaling, focusing on the unique features of this pathway when compared to other signaling pathways. Further studies to understand and manipulate Notch signaling in vivo in model organisms and in clinical settings will require a combination of a number of different approaches that are discussed throughout this book.
Collapse
|
284
|
Kubo Y, Matsudate Y, Fukui N, Nakasuka A, Sogawa M, Oshima M, Mizutani T, Otsu M, Murao K, Hashimoto I. Molecular tumorigenesis of the skin. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2014; 61:7-14. [DOI: 10.2152/jmi.61.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Kubo
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Yoshihiro Matsudate
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Nozomi Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Ayaka Nakasuka
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Maiko Sogawa
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Mika Oshima
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Tomoya Mizutani
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Masanobu Otsu
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Kazutoshi Murao
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Ichiro Hashimoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
| |
Collapse
|
285
|
Jayaraman SS, Rayhan DJ, Hazany S, Kolodney MS. Mutational Landscape of Basal Cell Carcinomas by Whole-Exome Sequencing. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:213-220. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
286
|
Ilagan MXG, Kopan R. Monitoring Notch activation in cultured mammalian cells: transcriptional reporter assays. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1187:143-154. [PMID: 25053487 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1139-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Upon ligand binding, Notch activation and cleavage culminates in the expression of its target genes. Hence, the use of Notch-responsive promoters to drive reporter gene expression provides a flexible and robust approach for monitoring signaling activity. In this chapter, we present an overview of Notch transcriptional reporter assays and discuss different methods for ligand-independent and ligand-dependent activation of Notch in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Xenia G Ilagan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
287
|
Sun W, Gaykalova DA, Ochs MF, Mambo E, Arnaoutakis D, Liu Y, Loyo M, Agrawal N, Howard J, Li R, Ahn S, Fertig E, Sidransky D, Houghton J, Buddavarapu K, Sanford T, Choudhary A, Darden W, Adai A, Latham G, Bishop J, Sharma R, Westra WH, Hennessey P, Chung CH, Califano JA. Activation of the NOTCH pathway in head and neck cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 74:1091-104. [PMID: 24351288 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NOTCH1 mutations have been reported to occur in 10% to 15% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). To determine the significance of these mutations, we embarked upon a comprehensive study of NOTCH signaling in a cohort of 44 HNSCC tumors and 25 normal mucosal samples through a set of expression, copy number, methylation, and mutation analyses. Copy number increases were identified in NOTCH pathway genes, including the NOTCH ligand JAG1. Gene set analysis defined a differential expression of the NOTCH signaling pathway in HNSCC relative to normal tissues. Analysis of individual pathway-related genes revealed overexpression of ligands JAG1 and JAG2 and receptor NOTCH3. In 32% of the HNSCC examined, activation of the downstream NOTCH effectors HES1/HEY1 was documented. Notably, exomic sequencing identified 5 novel inactivating NOTCH1 mutations in 4 of the 37 tumors analyzed, with none of these tumors exhibiting HES1/HEY1 overexpression. Our results revealed a bimodal pattern of NOTCH pathway alterations in HNSCC, with a smaller subset exhibiting inactivating NOTCH1 receptor mutations but a larger subset exhibiting other NOTCH1 pathway alterations, including increases in expression or gene copy number of the receptor or ligands as well as downstream pathway activation. Our results imply that therapies that target the NOTCH pathway may be more widely suitable for HNSCC treatment than appreciated currently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Sun
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oncology and Health Science Informatics, Surgery, Oncology, and Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions; Milton J. Dance Head and Neck Center, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland; and Asuragen Inc., Austin, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
288
|
Lambert SR, Mladkova N, Gulati A, Hamoudi R, Purdie K, Cerio R, Leigh I, Proby C, Harwood CA. Key differences identified between actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by transcriptome profiling. Br J Cancer 2013; 110:520-9. [PMID: 24335922 PMCID: PMC3899778 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in fair-skinned populations worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Despite previous observations of multiple genetic abnormalities in cSCC, the oncogenic process remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to elucidate key molecular events associated with progression from premalignant actinic keratoses (AKs) to invasive cSCC by transcriptome profiling. Methods: We combined laser capture microdissection with the Affymetrix HGU133 Plus 2.0 microarrays to profile 30 cSCC and 10 AKs. Results: We identified a core set of 196 genes that are differentially expressed between AK and cSCC, and are enriched for processes including epidermal differentiation, cell migration, cell-cycle regulation and metabolism. Gene set enrichment analysis highlighted a key role for the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in cSCC compared with AK. Furthermore, the histological subtype of the tumour was shown to influence the expression profile. Conclusion: These data indicate that the MAPK pathway may be pivotal to the transition from AK to cSCC, thus representing a potential target for cSCC prevention. In addition, transcriptome differences identified between cSCC subtypes have important implications for future development of targeted therapies for this malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Lambert
- 1] Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK [2] Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - N Mladkova
- Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - A Gulati
- Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - R Hamoudi
- Research Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - K Purdie
- 1] Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK [2] Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - R Cerio
- Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - I Leigh
- 1] Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK [2] Skin Tumour Laboratory, Division of Cancer Research, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - C Proby
- 1] Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK [2] Skin Tumour Laboratory, Division of Cancer Research, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - C A Harwood
- 1] Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK [2] Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
289
|
Jurisch-Yaksi N, Sannerud R, Annaert W. A fast growing spectrum of biological functions of γ-secretase in development and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:2815-27. [PMID: 24099003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
γ-secretase, which assembles as a tetrameric complex, is an aspartyl protease that proteolytically cleaves substrate proteins within their membrane-spanning domain; a process also known as regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). RIP regulates signaling pathways by abrogating or releasing signaling molecules. Since the discovery, already >15 years ago, of its catalytic component, presenilin, and even much earlier with the identification of amyloid precursor protein as its first substrate, γ-secretase has been commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, starting with Notch and thereafter a continuously increasing number of novel substrates, γ-secretase is becoming linked to an equally broader range of biological processes. This review presents an updated overview of the current knowledge on the diverse molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways controlled by γ-secretase, with a focus on organ development, homeostasis and dysfunction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Intramembrane Proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi
- Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, VIB-Center for the Biology of Disease & Department for Human Genetics (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
290
|
Nowell C, Radtke F. Cutaneous Notch signaling in health and disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2013; 3:a017772. [PMID: 24296353 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The development and maintenance of the skin are dependent on myriad signaling pathways that regulate a variety of cellular processes. In cutaneous epithelial cells, the Notch cascade plays a central role in ensuring that proliferation and differentiation are coordinated appropriately, a function that it imparts during both ontogeny and homeostasis. Aberrations of the Notch signaling pathway result in severe abnormalities in the epidermis and its appendages and cause functional defects such as perturbed barrier function. In addition, impaired Notch signaling is associated with diseases of the skin such as atopy and cancer. The pathology associated with aberrant cutaneous Notch signaling reflects the complex mechanisms underpinning its function in this tissue and involves both cell-autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the role of Notch signaling in the skin during health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Nowell
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), Ecole Polytechnique Federale Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
291
|
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key oncogenic pathways in multiple cancers, and targeting this pathway is an attractive therapeutic approach. However, therapeutic success has been limited because of the lack of therapeutic agents for targets in the Wnt pathway and the lack of a defined patient population that would be sensitive to a Wnt inhibitor. We developed a screen for small molecules that block Wnt secretion. This effort led to the discovery of LGK974, a potent and specific small-molecule Porcupine (PORCN) inhibitor. PORCN is a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase that is required for and dedicated to palmitoylation of Wnt ligands, a necessary step in the processing of Wnt ligand secretion. We show that LGK974 potently inhibits Wnt signaling in vitro and in vivo, including reduction of the Wnt-dependent LRP6 phosphorylation and the expression of Wnt target genes, such as AXIN2. LGK974 is potent and efficacious in multiple tumor models at well-tolerated doses in vivo, including murine and rat mechanistic breast cancer models driven by MMTV-Wnt1 and a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model (HN30). We also show that head and neck cancer cell lines with loss-of-function mutations in the Notch signaling pathway have a high response rate to LGK974. Together, these findings provide both a strategy and tools for targeting Wnt-driven cancers through the inhibition of PORCN.
Collapse
|
292
|
Griewank KG, Murali R, Schilling B, Schimming T, Möller I, Moll I, Schwamborn M, Sucker A, Zimmer L, Schadendorf D, Hillen U. TERT promoter mutations are frequent in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80354. [PMID: 24260374 PMCID: PMC3832433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the TERT promoter were recently identified in up to 71% of cutaneous melanoma. Subsequent studies found TERT promoter mutations in a wide array of other major human cancers. TERT promoter mutations lead to increased expression of telomerase, which maintains telomere length and genomic stability, thereby allowing cancer cells to continuously divide, avoiding senescence or apoptosis. TERT promoter mutations in cutaneous melanoma often show UV-signatures. Non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are very frequent malignancies in individuals of European descent. We investigated the presence of TERT promoter mutations in 32 basal cell carcinomas and 34 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas using conventional Sanger sequencing. TERT promoter mutations were identified in 18 (56%) basal cell carcinomas and in 17 (50%) cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. The recurrent mutations identified in our cohort were identical to those previously described in cutaneous melanoma, and showed a UV-signature (C>T or CC>TT) in line with a causative role for UV exposure in these common cutaneous malignancies. Our study shows that TERT promoter mutations with UV-signatures are frequent in non-melanoma skin cancer, being present in around 50% of basal and squamous cell carcinomas and suggests that increased expression of telomerase plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G. Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rajmohan Murali
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tobias Schimming
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Inga Möller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Iris Moll
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marion Schwamborn
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Uwe Hillen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
293
|
Kivisaari A, Kähäri VM. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Emerging need for novel biomarkers. World J Clin Oncol 2013; 4:85-90. [PMID: 24926428 PMCID: PMC4053710 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v4.i4.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) is rising worldwide resulting in demand for clinically useful prognostic biomarkers for these malignant tumors, especially for invasive and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Important risk factors for the development and progression of cSCC include ultraviolet radiation, chronic skin ulcers and immunosuppression. Due to the role of cumulative long-term sun exposure, cSCC is usually a disease of the elderly, but the incidence is also growing in younger individuals due to increased recreational exposure to sunlight. Although clinical diagnosis of cSCC is usually easy and treatment with surgical excision curable, it is responsible for the majority of NMSC related deaths. Clinicians treating skin cancer patients are aware that certain cSCCs grow rapidly and metastasize, but the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the aggressive progression of a subpopulation of cSCCs remain incompletely understood. Recently, new molecular markers for progression of cSCC have been identified.
Collapse
|
294
|
Progress in Epidermolysis bullosa research: summary of DEBRA International Research Conference 2012. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:2121-6. [PMID: 23949764 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
295
|
Frank SB, Miranti CK. Disruption of prostate epithelial differentiation pathways and prostate cancer development. Front Oncol 2013; 3:273. [PMID: 24199173 PMCID: PMC3813973 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the foremost problems in the prostate cancer (PCa) field is the inability to distinguish aggressive from indolent disease, which leads to difficult prognoses and thousands of unnecessary surgeries. This limitation stems from the fact that the mechanisms of tumorigenesis in the prostate are poorly understood. Some genetic alterations are commonly reported in prostate tumors, including upregulation of Myc, fusion of Ets genes to androgen-regulated promoters, and loss of Pten. However, the specific roles of these aberrations in tumor initiation and progression are poorly understood. Likewise, the cell of origin for PCa remains controversial and may be linked to the aggressive potential of the tumor. One important clue is that prostate tumors co-express basal and luminal protein markers that are restricted to their distinct cell types in normal tissue. Prostate epithelium contains layer-specific stem cells as well as rare bipotent cells, which can differentiate into basal or luminal cells. We hypothesize that the primary oncogenic cell of origin is a transient-differentiating bipotent cell. Such a cell must maintain tight temporal and spatial control of differentiation pathways, thus increasing its susceptibility for oncogenic disruption. In support of this hypothesis, many of the pathways known to be involved in prostate differentiation can be linked to genes commonly altered in PCa. In this article, we review what is known about important differentiation pathways (Myc, p38MAPK, Notch, PI3K/Pten) in the prostate and how their misregulation could lead to oncogenesis. Better understanding of normal differentiation will offer new insights into tumor initiation and may help explain the functional significance of common genetic alterations seen in PCa. Additionally, this understanding could lead to new methods for classifying prostate tumors based on their differentiation status and may aid in identifying more aggressive tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sander B Frank
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute , Grand Rapids, MI , USA ; Genetics Graduate Program, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
296
|
Weinstein JN, Collisson EA, Mills GB, Shaw KRM, Ozenberger BA, Ellrott K, Shmulevich I, Sander C, Stuart JM. The Cancer Genome Atlas Pan-Cancer analysis project. Nat Genet 2013; 45:1113-20. [PMID: 24071849 PMCID: PMC3919969 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4907] [Impact Index Per Article: 446.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network has profiled and analyzed large numbers of human tumors to discover molecular aberrations at the DNA, RNA, protein and epigenetic levels. The resulting rich data provide a major opportunity to develop an integrated picture of commonalities, differences and emergent themes across tumor lineages. The Pan-Cancer initiative compares the first 12 tumor types profiled by TCGA. Analysis of the molecular aberrations and their functional roles across tumor types will teach us how to extend therapies effective in one cancer type to others with a similar genomic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
-
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
297
|
Keysar SB, Astling DP, Anderson RT, Vogler BW, Bowles DW, Morton JJ, Paylor JJ, Glogowska MJ, Le PN, Eagles-Soukup JR, Kako SL, Takimoto SM, Sehrt DB, Umpierrez A, Pittman MA, Macfadden SM, Helber RM, Peterson S, Hausman DF, Said S, Leem TH, Goddard JA, Arcaroli JJ, Messersmith WA, Robinson WA, Hirsch FR, Varella-Garcia M, Raben D, Wang XJ, Song JI, Tan AC, Jimeno A. A patient tumor transplant model of squamous cell cancer identifies PI3K inhibitors as candidate therapeutics in defined molecular bins. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:776-90. [PMID: 23607916 PMCID: PMC3760013 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy development in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenging given the rarity of activating mutations. Additionally, HNSCC incidence is increasing related to human papillomavirus (HPV). We sought to develop an in vivo model derived from patients reflecting the evolving HNSCC epidemiologic landscape, and use it to identify new therapies. Primary and relapsed tumors from HNSCC patients, both HPV+ and HPV-, were implanted on mice, giving rise to 25 strains. Resulting xenografts were characterized by detecting key mutations, measuring protein expression by IHC and gene expression/pathway analysis by mRNA-sequencing. Drug efficacy studies were run with representative xenografts using the approved drug cetuximab as well as the new PI3K inhibitor PX-866. Tumors maintained their original morphology, genetic profiles and drug susceptibilities through serial passaging. The genetic makeup of these tumors was consistent with known frequencies of TP53, PI3KCA, NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 mutations. Because the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab is a standard HNSCC therapy, we tested its efficacy and observed a wide spectrum of efficacy. Cetuximab-resistant strains had higher PI3K/Akt pathway gene expression and protein activation than cetuximab-sensitive strains. The PI3K inhibitor PX-866 had anti-tumor efficacy in HNSCC models with PIK3CA alterations. Finally, PI3K inhibition was effective in two cases with NOTCH1 inactivating mutations. In summary, we have developed an HNSCC model covering its clinical spectrum whose major genetic alterations and susceptibility to anticancer agents represent contemporary HNSCC. This model enables to prospectively test therapeutic-oriented hypotheses leading to personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B. Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - David P. Astling
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - Ryan T. Anderson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Brian W. Vogler
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Daniel W. Bowles
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - J. Jason Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Jeramiah J. Paylor
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Magdalena J. Glogowska
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Phuong N. Le
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Justin R. Eagles-Soukup
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Severine L. Kako
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Sarah M. Takimoto
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Daniel B. Sehrt
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Adrian Umpierrez
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Morgan A. Pittman
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Sarah M. Macfadden
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Ryan M. Helber
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | | | | | - Sherif Said
- Department of Pathology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - Ted H. Leem
- Department of Otolaryngology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | | | - John J. Arcaroli
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Wells A. Messersmith
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - William A. Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Fred R. Hirsch
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Marileila Varella-Garcia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - David Raben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, USCOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
- Charles C. Gates Center for Stem Cell Biology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - John I. Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), Aurora, CO 80045, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
- Charles C. Gates Center for Stem Cell Biology, UCSOM, CO 80045, United States
| |
Collapse
|
298
|
A miR-34a-SIRT6 axis in the squamous cell differentiation network. EMBO J 2013; 32:2248-63. [PMID: 23860128 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2013.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are highly heterogeneous tumours, resulting from deranged expression of genes involved in squamous cell differentiation. Here we report that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) functions as a novel node in the squamous cell differentiation network, with SIRT6 as a critical target. miR-34a expression increases with keratinocyte differentiation, while it is suppressed in skin and oral SCCs, SCC cell lines, and aberrantly differentiating primary human keratinocytes (HKCs). Expression of this miRNA is restored in SCC cells, in parallel with differentiation, by reversion of genomic DNA methylation or wild-type p53 expression. In normal HKCs, the pro-differentiation effects of increased p53 activity or UVB exposure are miR-34a-dependent, and increased miR-34a levels are sufficient to induce differentiation of these cells both in vitro and in vivo. SIRT6, a sirtuin family member not previously connected with miR-34a function, is a direct target of this miRNA in HKCs, and SIRT6 down-modulation is sufficient to reproduce the miR-34a pro-differentiation effects. The findings are of likely biological significance, as SIRT6 is oppositely expressed to miR-34a in normal keratinocytes and keratinocyte-derived tumours.
Collapse
|
299
|
Kluk MJ, Ashworth T, Wang H, Knoechel B, Mason EF, Morgan EA, Dorfman D, Pinkus G, Weigert O, Hornick JL, Chirieac LR, Hirsch M, Oh DJ, South AP, Leigh IM, Pourreyron C, Cassidy AJ, Deangelo DJ, Weinstock DM, Krop IE, Dillon D, Brock JE, Lazar AJF, Peto M, Cho RJ, Stoeck A, Haines BB, Sathayanrayanan S, Rodig S, Aster JC. Gauging NOTCH1 Activation in Cancer Using Immunohistochemistry. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67306. [PMID: 23825651 PMCID: PMC3688991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fixed, paraffin-embedded (FPE) tissues are a potentially rich resource for studying the role of NOTCH1 in cancer and other pathologies, but tests that reliably detect activated NOTCH1 (NICD1) in FPE samples have been lacking. Here, we bridge this gap by developing an immunohistochemical (IHC) stain that detects a neoepitope created by the proteolytic cleavage event that activates NOTCH1. Following validation using xenografted cancers and normal tissues with known patterns of NOTCH1 activation, we applied this test to tumors linked to dysregulated Notch signaling by mutational studies. As expected, frequent NICD1 staining was observed in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, a tumor in which activating NOTCH1 mutations are common. However, when IHC was used to gauge NOTCH1 activation in other human cancers, several unexpected findings emerged. Among B cell tumors, NICD1 staining was much more frequent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia than would be predicted based on the frequency of NOTCH1 mutations, while mantle cell lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma showed no evidence of NOTCH1 activation. NICD1 was also detected in 38% of peripheral T cell lymphomas. Of interest, NICD1 staining in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and in angioimmunoblastic lymphoma was consistently more pronounced in lymph nodes than in surrounding soft tissues, implicating factors in the nodal microenvironment in NOTCH1 activation in these diseases. Among carcinomas, diffuse strong NICD1 staining was observed in 3.8% of cases of triple negative breast cancer (3 of 78 tumors), but was absent from 151 non-small cell lung carcinomas and 147 ovarian carcinomas. Frequent staining of normal endothelium was also observed; in line with this observation, strong NICD1 staining was also seen in 77% of angiosarcomas. These findings complement insights from genomic sequencing studies and suggest that IHC staining is a valuable experimental tool that may be useful in selection of patients for clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Kluk
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
300
|
Tan M, Myers JN, Agrawal N. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma genomics. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2013; 46:545-66. [PMID: 23910469 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent technological advances now permit the study of the entire cancer genome, which can elucidate complex pathway interactions that are not apparent at the level of single genes. In this review, the authors describe innovations that have allowed for whole-exome/genome analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations and of changes in gene expression. Studies using next-generation sequencing, array comparative genomic hybridization, methylation arrays, and gene expression profiling are reviewed, with a particular focus on findings from recent whole-exome sequencing projects. A discussion of the implications of these data on treatment and future goals for cancer genomics is included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|