1
|
Banaszek N, Kurpiewska D, Kozak K, Rutkowski P, Sobczuk P. Hedgehog pathway in sarcoma: from preclinical mechanism to clinical application. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17635-17649. [PMID: 37815662 PMCID: PMC10657326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They develop rarely, but due to poor prognosis, they are a challenging and significant clinical problem. Currently, available therapeutic options have very limited activity. A better understating of sarcomas' pathogenesis may help develop more effective therapies in the future. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is involved in both embryonic development and mature tissue repair and carcinogenesis. Shh pathway inhibitors are presently used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Its increased activity has been demonstrated in many sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant rhabdoid tumor. In vitro studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway in inhibiting proliferation in those sarcomas in which the components of the pathway are overexpressed. These results were confirmed by in vivo studies, which additionally proved the influence of Shh pathway inhibitors on limiting the metastatic potential of sarcoma cells. However, until now, the efficacy of sarcomas treatment with Shh pathway inhibitors has not been established in clinical trials. The reason for that may be the non-canonical activation of the pathway or interactions with other signaling pathways, such as Wnt or Notch. In this review, we present the Shh signaling pathway's role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, including both canonical and non-canonical signaling. We also propose how this knowledge could be potentially translated into clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Banaszek
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Kurpiewska
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kozak
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Sobczuk
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gallagher KPD, van Heerden W, Said-Al-Naief N, Carlos R, Arboleda LPA, Rodrigues-Fernandes CI, Araújo ALD, Fonseca FP, Pontes HAR, Innocentini LMAR, Romañach MJ, Vargas PA, Lopes MA, Santos-Silva AR, Khurram SA. Molecular profile of head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022; 134:354-366. [PMID: 35840496 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.12.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify the molecular alterations of head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas (HNRMS) and their prognostic values. STUDY DESIGN An electronic search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science with a designed search strategy. Inclusion criteria comprised cases of primary HNRMS with an established histopathological diagnosis and molecular analysis. Forty-nine studies were included and were appraised for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Five studies were selected for meta-analysis. RESULTS HNRMS predominantly affects pediatric patients (44.4%), and the parameningeal region (57.7%) is the most common location. The alveolar variant (43.2%) predominates over the embryonal and spindle cell/sclerosing types, followed by the epithelioid and pleomorphic variants. PAX-FOXO1 fusion was observed in 103 cases of alveolar RMS (79.8%). MYOD1 mutation was found in 39 cases of sclerosing/spindle cell RMS (53.4%). FUS/EWSR1-TFCP2 gene fusions were identified in 21 cases of RMS with epithelioid and spindle cell morphologies (95.5%). The 5-year overall survival rate of patients was 61.3%, and MYOD1 mutation correlated with significantly higher mortality. CONCLUSION The genotypic profile of histologic variants of HNRMS is widely variable, and MYOD1 mutation could be a potential prognostic factor, but more studies are required to establish this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Patricia Domínguez Gallagher
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Practicing Graduate Professor, School of Dentistry, National University of Asunción (UNA), Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Willie van Heerden
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nasser Said-Al-Naief
- Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Dentistry and School of Medicine, OR, USA
| | - Roman Carlos
- Department of Pathology, Integra Cancer Center, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Lady Paola Aristizabal Arboleda
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Isabelly Rodrigues-Fernandes
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Luíza Damaceno Araújo
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Paiva Fonseca
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hélder Antônio Rebelo Pontes
- Oral Pathology Department, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lara Maria Alencar Ramos Innocentini
- Dentistry and Stomatology Division, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mário José Romañach
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pablo Agustin Vargas
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcio Ajudarte Lopes
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alan Roger Santos-Silva
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology and Oral Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Syed Ali Khurram
- Unit of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Canonical Hedgehog Pathway and Noncanonical GLI Transcription Factor Activation in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162523. [PMID: 36010600 PMCID: PMC9406872 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway is one of the fundamental pathways required for development and regulation of postnatal regeneration in a variety of tissues. The pathway has also been associated with cancers since the identification of a mutation in one of its components, PTCH, as the cause of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, which is associated with several cancers. Our understanding of the pathway in tumorigenesis has expanded greatly since that initial discovery over two decades ago. The pathway has tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions depending on the context of the cancer. Furthermore, noncanonical activation of GLI transcription factors has been reported in a number of tumor types. Here, we review the roles of canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway and noncanonical GLI activation in cancers, particularly epithelial cancers, and discuss an emerging concept of the distinct outcomes that these modes have on cancer initiation and progression.
Collapse
|
4
|
Genetic Characterization, Current Model Systems and Prognostic Stratification in PAX Fusion-Negative vs. PAX Fusion-Positive Rhabdomyosarcoma. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101500. [PMID: 34680895 PMCID: PMC8535289 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents and accounts for approximately 2% of soft tissue sarcomas in adults. It is subcategorized into distinct subtypes based on histological features and fusion status (PAX-FOXO1/VGLL2/NCOA2). Despite advances in our understanding of the pathobiological and molecular landscape of RMS, the prognosis of these tumors has not significantly improved in recent years. Developing a better understanding of genetic abnormalities and risk stratification beyond the fusion status are crucial to developing better therapeutic strategies. Herein, we aim to highlight the genetic pathways/abnormalities involved, specifically in fusion-negative RMS, assess the currently available model systems to study RMS pathogenesis, and discuss available prognostic factors as well as their importance for risk stratification to achieve optimal therapeutic management.
Collapse
|
5
|
Haas OA. Somatic Sex: On the Origin of Neoplasms With Chromosome Counts in Uneven Ploidy Ranges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631946. [PMID: 34422788 PMCID: PMC8373647 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stable aneuploid genomes with nonrandom numerical changes in uneven ploidy ranges define distinct subsets of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The idea put forward herein suggests that they emerge from interactions between diploid mitotic and G0/G1 cells, which can in a single step produce all combinations of mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and pentasomic paternal/maternal homologue configurations that define such genomes. A nanotube-mediated influx of interphase cell cytoplasm into mitotic cells would thus be responsible for the critical nondisjunction and segregation errors by physically impeding the proper formation of the cell division machinery, whereas only a complete cell fusion can simultaneously generate pentasomies, uniparental trisomies as well as biclonal hypo- and hyperdiploid cell populations. The term "somatic sex" was devised to accentuate the similarities between germ cell and somatic cell fusions. A somatic cell fusion, in particular, recapitulates many processes that are also instrumental in the formation of an abnormal zygote that involves a diploid oocyte and a haploid sperm, which then may further develop into a digynic triploid embryo. Despite their somehow deceptive differences and consequences, the resemblance of these two routes may go far beyond of what has hitherto been appreciated. Based on the arguments put forward herein, I propose that embryonic malignancies of mesenchymal origin with these particular types of aneuploidies can thus be viewed as the kind of flawed somatic equivalent of a digynic triploid embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar A Haas
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sharma A, Thangaiah JJ, Shetty S, Policarpio-Nicolas MLC. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas in cerebrospinal fluid and effusion: A 20-year review at our institution. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 129:776-787. [PMID: 34233079 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature on bone and soft tissue sarcomas (BSTSs) involving effusions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is very limited. METHODS A computerized search for fluid cytology with a sarcoma diagnosis from 2000 to 2020 was performed. All available cases, including the clinical follow-up, were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 57 fluids specimens from 36 BSTSs were identified (9 rhabdomyosarcomas, 6 angiosarcomas, 5 epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas, 3 dedifferentiated liposarcomas, 2 chondrosarcomas, 1 extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, 3 Ewing sarcomas, 2 undifferentiated sarcomas, 3 osteosarcomas, 1 synovial sarcoma, and 1 hybrid low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma/sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma). There were 22 males and 14 females. The age range was 4 to 82 years (median, 45 years). Sites of involvement included pleural fluid (n = 38), peritoneal fluid (n = 14), and CSF (n = 5). Twenty-four cytology cases were available for review. The cytologic features were nonspecific and ranged from dyshesive to clusters of round, epithelioid, pleomorphic, and occasionally spindle-shaped malignant cells that could easily mimic other non-BSTS malignant tumors. The diagnosis of BSTS was made by comparison with a prior specimen and/or ancillary studies (molecular or immunohistochemical stains). The prognosis was poor because 95% of the patients died of their disease. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of BSTS in fluid cytology is extremely rare, and it can have cytologic features similar to those of non-BSTS malignancies. Although, in most cases, a comparison with a prior known BSTS specimen may suffice, the use of ancillary studies is extremely helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis. However, in cases with no known prior malignancy, including BSTS in the differential diagnosis is prudent for preventing misdiagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Sharma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Sindhu Shetty
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Berklite L, Ozolek J, Wang L, Santoro L, Donofrio V, Stracuzzi A, John I, Alaggio R. Pediatric Benign Tumors With a Skeletal Muscle Component: Myogenin Expression, Diagnostic Pitfalls, and New Molecular Insights. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2021; 24:213-226. [PMID: 33683985 DOI: 10.1177/1093526621998932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benign tumors with skeletal muscle differentiation are rare and their characterization in the literature is limited. We present a series of twelve pediatric benign tumors with rhabdomyomatous differentiation including seven rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartomas, four fetal rhabdomyomas, and one benign triton tumor, analyzing myogenic markers as well as clinicopathologic and molecular features. A review of the literature was also performed with an emphasis on myogenic marker expression and correlation with molecular features. METHODS AND RESULTS Cases obtained from three tertiary pediatric hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven of twelve cases expressed myogenin in rare to greater than 15% of cells. Five of nine cases had rare to 70-80% of cells positive for MyoD1. One fetal rhabdomyoma demonstrated homozygous deletions in ZEB2. The benign triton tumor harbored a CTNNB1 mutation. Review of the literature identified 160 pediatric benign tumors with skeletal muscle differentiation of which 9 reported myogenin positivity. CONCLUSIONS Myogenin and MyoD1 may be variably expressed in benign lesions with skeletal muscle differentiation. Recognition of key morphologic features remains critical to diagnose these lesions and, in rhabdomyoma, to exclude malignancy. Our series expands the knowledge of the relationship between rhabdomyoma and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) by identifying a shared molecular alteration in ZEB2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Berklite
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Ozolek
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Larry Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Luisa Santoro
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vittoria Donofrio
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Pediatrico Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Ivy John
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shenoy A, Alvarez E, Chi YY, Li M, Shern JF, Khan J, Hiniker SM, Granberg CF, Hawkins DS, Parham DM, Teot LA, Rudzinski ER. The prognostic significance of anaplasia in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Eur J Cancer 2020; 143:127-133. [PMID: 33302115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Established prognostic indicators in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma, include several clinicopathologic features. Among pathologic features, anaplasia has been suggested as a potential prognostic indicator, but the clinical significance of anaplasia remains unclear. METHODS Patients enrolled on one of five recent Children's Oncology Group clinical trials for RMS (D9602, n = 357; D9802, n = 80; D9803, n = 462; ARST0331, n = 335; and ARST0531, n = 414) with prospective central pathology review were included in this study. Clinicopathologic variables including demographic information, risk group, histologic subtype, and anaplasia were recorded along with overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) with failure defined by recurrence, progression, or death. The log-rank test was used to compare OS and FFS. RESULTS Anaplasia was more common in embryonal RMS (27% of all embryonal RMS) than other subtypes of RMS (11% for alveolar RMS, 7% for botryoid RMS, 11% for spindle cell RMS). On multivariate analyses, anaplasia was not an independent prognostic factor in RMS (OS:hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12, p = 0.43; FFS:HR = 1.07, p = 0.56) across all subtypes or within embryonal RMS only (OS:HR = 1.41, p = 0.078; FFS:HR = 1.25, p = 0.16). Among tumors with TP53 mutations, 69% had anaplasia, while only 24% of tumors with anaplasia had a tumoral TP53 mutation. CONCLUSIONS Anaplasia is not an independent indicator of adverse outcomes in RMS. Emerging information on the prognostic significance of TP53 mutations raises the possibility that anaplasia may be a surrogate marker of TP53 mutations in some cases. Tumoral TP53 mutation status may be investigated as a prognostic indicator in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shenoy
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | | | - Yueh-Yun Chi
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Minjie Li
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jack F Shern
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Javed Khan
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Susan M Hiniker
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | | | | | - David M Parham
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lisa A Teot
- Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Molist C, Navarro N, Giralt I, Zarzosa P, Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Magdaleno A, Moreno L, Guillén G, Hladun R, Garrido M, Soriano A, Segura MF, Sánchez de Toledo J, Gallego S, Roma J. miRNA-7 and miRNA-324-5p regulate alpha9-Integrin expression and exert anti-oncogenic effects in rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 477:49-59. [PMID: 32142919 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children, is poor and no strategies have been identified to improve their dismal prognosis. Alpha-9 integrin (ITGA9) plays a particularly crucial role in cancer progression and invasiveness. Despite the consensus on the remarkable pro-oncogenic potential of this protein, the miRNA-mediated regulation of ITGA9 has barely been studied to date. In the present study, miR-7 and miR-324-5p were selected as the best candidates after a screening to find ITGA9 regulators, and their effects on cell proliferation and invasion in RMS are described and characterized for the first time. Interestingly, the overexpression of both miRNA produced a clear impairment of cell proliferation, while miR-7 also induced a remarkable drop in cell invasion. Furthermore, the stable overexpression of both miRNA was found to reduce tumor growth in orthotopic RMS models and miR-7 was able to impair metastatic lung colonization. Consequently, we conclude that miR-7 and miR-324-5p show anti-oncogenic and anti-metastatic potential, thereby opening up the possibility of being used as novel therapeutic tools to avoid RMS progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Molist
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Navarro
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Giralt
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Zarzosa
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Gallo-Oller
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Pons
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Magdaleno
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Moreno
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Guillén
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Garrido
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Soriano
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M F Segura
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Sánchez de Toledo
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Gallego
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J Roma
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen C, Dorado Garcia H, Scheer M, Henssen AG. Current and Future Treatment Strategies for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1458. [PMID: 31921698 PMCID: PMC6933601 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, and can be subcategorized histologically and/or based on PAX-FOXO1 fusion gene status. Over the last four decades, there have been no significant improvements in clinical outcomes for advanced and metastatic RMS patients, underscoring a need for new treatment options for these groups. Despite significant advancements in our understanding of the genomic landscape and underlying biological mechanisms governing RMS that have informed the identification of novel therapeutic targets, development of these therapies in clinical trials has lagged far behind. In this review, we summarize the current frontline multi-modality therapy for RMS according to pediatric protocols, highlight emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapies identified by preclinical studies, and discuss early clinical trial data and the implications they hold for future clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celine Chen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heathcliff Dorado Garcia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Scheer
- Pediatrics 5, Klinikum Stuttgart, Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anton G. Henssen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the MDC and Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pelullo M, Zema S, Nardozza F, Checquolo S, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β Pathways Impinge on Hedgehog Signaling Complexity: An Open Window on Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:711. [PMID: 31552081 PMCID: PMC6736567 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is associated with increased risk of developing several malignancies. The biological and pathogenic importance of Hh signaling emphasizes the need to control its action tightly, both physiologically and therapeutically. Evidence of crosstalk between Hh and other signaling pathways is reported in many tumor types. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the communication between Hh and major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which play critical roles in both embryonic and adult life. When these pathways are unbalanced, impaired crosstalk contributes to disease development. It is reported that more than one of these pathways are active in different type of tumors, at the same time. Therefore, starting from a plethora of stimuli that activate multiple signaling pathways, we describe the signals that preferentially converge on the Hh signaling cascade that influence its activity. Moreover, we highlight several connection points between Hh and Notch, Wnt, or TGF-β pathways, showing a reciprocal synergism that contributes to tumorigenesis, supporting a more malignant behavior by tumor cells, such as in leukemia and brain tumors. Understanding the importance of these molecular interlinking networks will provide a rational basis for combined anticancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pelullo
- Center of Life Nano Science Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zema
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hoang NT, Acevedo LA, Mann MJ, Tolani B. A review of soft-tissue sarcomas: translation of biological advances into treatment measures. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:1089-1114. [PMID: 29785138 PMCID: PMC5955018 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s159641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors arising from connective tissues and have an overall incidence of about five per 100,000 per year. While this diverse family of malignancies comprises over 100 histological subtypes and many molecular aberrations are prevalent within specific sarcomas, very few are therapeutically targeted. Instead of utilizing molecular signatures, first-line sarcoma treatment options are still limited to traditional surgery and chemotherapy, and many of the latter remain largely ineffective and are plagued by disease resistance. Currently, the mechanism of sarcoma oncogenesis remains largely unknown, thus necessitating a better understanding of pathogenesis. Although substantial progress has not occurred with molecularly targeted therapies over the past 30 years, increased knowledge about sarcoma biology could lead to new and more effective treatment strategies to move the field forward. Here, we discuss biological advances in the core molecular determinants in some of the most common soft-tissue sarcomas - liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and synovial sarcoma - with an emphasis on emerging genomic and molecular pathway targets and immunotherapeutic treatment strategies to combat this confounding disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc T Hoang
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luis A Acevedo
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Mann
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bhairavi Tolani
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Teot LA, Schneider M, Thorner AR, Tian J, Chi YY, Ducar M, Lin L, Wlodarski M, Grier HE, Fletcher CDM, van Hummelen P, Skapek SX, Hawkins DS, Wagers AJ, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Hettmer S. Clinical and mutational spectrum of highly differentiated, paired box 3:forkhead box protein o1 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Cancer 2018; 124:1973-1981. [PMID: 29461635 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric paired box 3:forkhead box protein O1 fusion-negative (PF-) rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents a diverse spectrum of tumors with marked differences in histology, myogenic differentiation, and clinical behavior. METHODS This study sought to evaluate the clinical and mutational spectrum of 24 pediatric PF- human RMS tumors with high levels of myogenic differentiation. Tumors were sequenced with OncoPanel v.2, a panel consisting of the coding regions of 504 genes previously linked to human cancer. RESULTS Most of the tumors (19 of 24) arose at head/neck or genitourinary sites, and the overall survival rate was 100% with a median follow-up time of 4.6 years (range, 1.4-8.6 years). RAS pathway gene mutations were the most common mutations in PF-, highly differentiated RMS tumors. In addition, Hedgehog (Hh) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene mutations with evidence for functional relevance (high-impact) were identified in subsets of tumors. The presence of Hh and mTOR pathway gene mutations was mutually exclusive and was associated with high-impact RAS pathway gene mutations in 3 of 4 Hh-mutated tumors and in 1 of 6 mTOR-mutated tumors. CONCLUSIONS Interestingly, Hh and mTOR gene mutations were previously associated with rhabdomyomas, which are also known to preferentially arise at head/neck and genitourinary sites. Findings from this study further support the idea that PF-, highly differentiated RMS tumors and rhabdomyomas may represent a continuous spectrum of tumors. Cancer 2018;124:1973-81. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Teot
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michaela Schneider
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Aaron R Thorner
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Yueh-Yun Chi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Matthew Ducar
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ling Lin
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marcin Wlodarski
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Holcombe E Grier
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Paul van Hummelen
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen X Skapek
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Drummond CJ, Hanna JA, Garcia MR, Devine DJ, Heyrana AJ, Finkelstein D, Rehg JE, Hatley ME. Hedgehog Pathway Drives Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma Initiated From Non-myogenic Endothelial Progenitors. Cancer Cell 2018; 33:108-124.e5. [PMID: 29316425 PMCID: PMC5790179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric soft tissue sarcoma that histologically resembles embryonic skeletal muscle. RMS occurs throughout the body and an exclusively myogenic origin does not account for RMS occurring in sites devoid of skeletal muscle. We previously described an RMS model activating a conditional constitutively active Smoothened mutant (SmoM2) with aP2-Cre. Using genetic fate mapping, we show SmoM2 expression in Cre-expressing endothelial progenitors results in myogenic transdifferentiation and RMS. We show that endothelium and skeletal muscle within the head and neck arise from Kdr-expressing progenitors, and that hedgehog pathway activation results in aberrant expression of myogenic specification factors as a potential mechanism driving RMS genesis. These findings suggest that RMS can originate from aberrant development of non-myogenic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Drummond
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jason A Hanna
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Matthew R Garcia
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Daniel J Devine
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alana J Heyrana
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - David Finkelstein
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jerold E Rehg
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mark E Hatley
- Department of Oncology, MS-352, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ligand-dependent Hedgehog pathway activation in Rhabdomyosarcoma: the oncogenic role of the ligands. Br J Cancer 2017; 117:1314-1325. [PMID: 28881358 PMCID: PMC5672936 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway is known to develop an oncogenic role in RMS. However, the molecular mechanism that drives activation of the pathway in RMS is not well understood. METHODS The expression of HH ligands was studied by qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Functional and animal model studies were carried out with cells transduced with shRNAs against HH ligands or treated with HH-specific inhibitors (Vismodegib and MEDI-5304). Finally, the molecular characterisation of an off-target effect of Vismodegib was also made. RESULTS The results showed a prominent expression of HH ligands supporting an autocrine ligand-dependent activation of the pathway. A comparison of pharmacologic Smoothened inhibition (Vismodegib) and HH ligand blocking (MEDI-5304) is also provided. Interestingly, a first description of pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib is also reported. CONCLUSIONS The clarification of the HH pathway activation mechanism in RMS opens a door for targeted therapies against HH ligands as a possible alternative in the future development of better treatment protocols. Moreover, the description of a pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib, via unfolded protein response activation, may mechanistically explain its previously reported inefficiency in several ligand-dependent cancers.
Collapse
|
16
|
Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition Hampers Sphere and Holoclone Formation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:7507380. [PMID: 28243259 PMCID: PMC5294584 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7507380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children and can be divided into two main subtypes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar (aRMS). Among the cellular heterogeneity of tumors, the existence of a small fraction of cells called cancer stem cells (CSC), thought to be responsible for the onset and propagation of cancer, has been demonstrated in some neoplasia. Although the existence of CSC has been reported for eRMS, their existence in aRMS, the most malignant subtype, has not been demonstrated to date. Given the lack of suitable markers to identify this subpopulation in aRMS, we used cancer stem cell-enriched supracellular structures (spheres and holoclones) to study this subpopulation. This strategy allowed us to demonstrate the capacity of both aRMS and eRMS cells to form these structures and retain self-renewal capacity. Furthermore, cells contained in spheres and holoclones showed significant Hedgehog pathway induction, the inhibition of which (pharmacologic or genetic) impairs the formation of both holoclones and spheres. Our findings point to a crucial role of this pathway in the maintenance of these structures and suggest that Hedgehog pathway targeting in CSC may have great potential in preventing local relapses and metastases.
Collapse
|
17
|
Graab U, Hahn H, Fulda S. Identification of a novel synthetic lethality of combined inhibition of hedgehog and PI3K signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:8722-35. [PMID: 25749378 PMCID: PMC4496179 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that aberrant HH pathway activation confers a poor prognosis in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Searching for new treatment strategies we therefore targeted HH signaling. Here, we identify a novel synthetic lethality of concomitant inhibition of HH and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in RMS by GLI1/2 inhibitor GANT61 and PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PI103. Synergistic drug interaction is confirmed by calculation of combination index (CI < 0.2). Similarly, genetic silencing of GLI1/2 significantly increases PI103-induced apoptosis. GANT61 and PI103 also synergize to induce apoptosis in cultured primary RMS cells emphasizing the clinical relevance of this combination. Importantly, GANT61/PI103 cotreatment suppresses clonogenic survival, three-dimensional sphere formation and tumor growth in an in vivo model of RMS. Mechanistic studies reveal that GANT61 and PI103 cooperate to trigger caspase-dependent apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, as demonstrated by several lines of evidence. First, GANT61/PI103 cotreatment increases mRNA and protein expression of NOXA and BMF, which is required for apoptosis, since knockdown of NOXA or BMF significantly reduces GANT61/PI103-induced apoptosis. Second, GANT61/PI103 cotreatment triggers BAK/BAX activation, which contributes to GANT61/PI103-mediated apoptosis, since knockdown of BAK provides protection. Third, ectopic expression of BCL-2 or non-degradable phospho-mutant MCL-1 significantly rescue GANT61/PI103-triggered apoptosis. Fourth, GANT61/PI103 cotreatment initiate activation of the caspase cascade via apoptosome-mediated cleavage of the initiator caspase-9, as indicated by changes in the cleavage pattern of caspases (e.g. accumulation of the caspase-9 p35 cleavage fragment) upon addition of the caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk. Thus, combined GLI1/2 and PI3K/mTOR inhibition represents a promising novel approach for synergistic apoptosis induction and tumor growth reduction with implications for new treatment strategies in RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Graab
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Arnhold V, Boos J, Lanvers-Kaminsky C. Targeting hedgehog signaling pathway in pediatric tumors: in vitro evaluation of SMO and GLI inhibitors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 77:495-505. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-2962-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
19
|
Hettmer S, Lin MM, Tchessalova D, Tortorici SJ, Castiglioni A, Desai T, Mao J, McMahon AP, Wagers AJ. Hedgehog-driven myogenic tumors recapitulate skeletal muscle cellular heterogeneity. Exp Cell Res 2016; 340:43-52. [PMID: 26460176 PMCID: PMC4718790 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation in R26-SmoM2;CAGGS-CreER mice, which carry a tamoxifen-inducible activated Smoothened allele (SmoM2), results in numerous microscopic tumor foci in mouse skeletal muscle. These tumors exhibit a highly differentiated myogenic phenotype and resemble human fetal rhabdomyomas. This study sought to apply previously established strategies to isolate lineally distinct populations of normal mouse myofiber-associated cells in order to examine cellular heterogeneity in SmoM2 tumors. We demonstrate that established SmoM2 tumors are composed of cells expressing myogenic, adipocytic and hematopoietic lineage markers and differentiation capacity. SmoM2 tumors thus recapitulate the phenotypic and functional hetereogeneity observed in normal mouse skeletal muscle. SmoM2 tumors also contain an expanded population of PAX7+ and MyoD+ satellite-like cells with extremely low clonogenic activity. Selective activation of Hh signaling in freshly isolated muscle satellite cells enhanced terminal myogenic differentiation without stimulating proliferation. Our findings support the conclusion that SmoM2 tumors represent an aberrant skeletal muscle state and demonstrate that, similar to normal muscle, myogenic tumors contain functionally distinct cell subsets, including cells lacking myogenic differentiation potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michael M Lin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daria Tchessalova
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sara J Tortorici
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alessandra Castiglioni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tushar Desai
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kashi VP, Hatley ME, Galindo RL. Probing for a deeper understanding of rhabdomyosarcoma: insights from complementary model systems. Nat Rev Cancer 2015; 15:426-39. [PMID: 26105539 PMCID: PMC4599785 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a mesenchymal malignancy composed of neoplastic primitive precursor cells that exhibit histological features of myogenic differentiation. Despite intensive conventional multimodal therapy, patients with high-risk RMS typically suffer from aggressive disease. The lack of directed therapies against RMS emphasizes the need to further uncover the molecular underpinnings of the disease. In this Review, we discuss the notable advances in the model systems now available to probe for new RMS-targetable pathogenetic mechanisms, and the possibilities for enhanced RMS therapeutics and improved clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh P Kashi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9072, USA
| | - Mark E Hatley
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Rene L Galindo
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9072, USA. [2] Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9148, USA. [3] Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9063, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
In mice, activated Hedgehog (Hh) signaling induces tumors with myogenic differentiation. In humans, hyperactive Hh signaling due to germline PATCHED1 (PTCH1) mutations has been linked to nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). We report an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a 16-month-old girl with NBCCS and review the literature on myogenic neoplasms in NBCCS, including 8 fetal rhabdomyomas and 3 rhabdomyosarcomas. Of note, 3 population studies, including 255 individuals with NBCCS aged 4 months to 87 years, did not identify any myogenic tumors. Thus, myogenic tumors in NBCCS are rare and include both rhabdomyosarcomas and fetal rhabdomyomas.
Collapse
|
22
|
Hettmer S, Bronson RT, Wagers AJ. Distinct malignant behaviors of mouse myogenic tumors induced by different oncogenetic lesions. Front Oncol 2015; 5:50. [PMID: 25759794 PMCID: PMC4338657 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are heterogeneous cancers with myogenic differentiation features. The cytogenetic and mutational aberrations in RMS are diverse. This study examined differences in the malignant behavior of two genetically distinct and disease-relevant mouse myogenic tumor models. Kras; p1619(null) myogenic tumors, initiated by expression of oncogenic Kras in p16p19(null) mouse satellite cells, were metastatic to the lungs of the majority of tumor-bearing animals and repopulated tumors in seven of nine secondary recipients. In contrast, SmoM2 tumors, initiated by ubiquitous expression of a mutant Smoothened allele, did not metastasize and repopulated tumors in 2 of 18 recipients only. In summary, genetically distinct myogenic tumors in mice exhibit marked differences in malignant behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany ; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University , Boston, MA , USA ; Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Chevy Chase, MD , USA ; Joslin Diabetes Center , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Roderick T Bronson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University Veterinary School , North Grafton, MA , USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University , Boston, MA , USA ; Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Chevy Chase, MD , USA ; Joslin Diabetes Center , Boston, MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Goldman J, Eckhardt SG, Borad MJ, Curtis KK, Hidalgo M, Calvo E, Ryan DP, Wirth LJ, Parikh A, Partyka J, Faessel H, Gangolli E, Stewart S, Rosen LS, Bowles DW. Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial of the Oral Investigational Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibitor TAK-441 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 21:1002-9. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
24
|
Martin-Liberal J, Cameron AJ, Claus J, Judson IR, Parker PJ, Linch M. Targeting protein kinase C in sarcoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1846:547-59. [PMID: 25453364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine tyrosine kinases that regulate many cellular processes including division, proliferation, survival, anoikis and polarity. PKC is abundant in many human cancers and aberrant PKC signalling has been demonstrated in cancer models. On this basis, PKC has become an attractive target for small molecule inhibition within oncology drug development programmes. Sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignancies. Due to their relative insensitivity to conventional chemotherapies and the increasing recognition of the driving molecular events of sarcomagenesis, sarcoma provides an excellent platform to test novel therapeutics. In this review we provide a structure-function overview of the PKC family, the rationale for targeting these kinases in sarcoma and the state of play with regard to PKC inhibition in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Martin-Liberal
- Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - A J Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - J Claus
- Protein Phosphorylation Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - I R Judson
- Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - P J Parker
- Protein Phosphorylation Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK; Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - M Linch
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rajurkar M, Huang H, Cotton JL, Brooks JK, Sicklick J, McMahon AP, Mao J. Distinct cellular origin and genetic requirement of Hedgehog-Gli in postnatal rhabdomyosarcoma genesis. Oncogene 2014; 33:5370-8. [PMID: 24276242 PMCID: PMC4309268 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh)-Gli signaling pathway is implicated in a variety of human cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), medulloblastoma (MB) and embryonal rhabdhomyosarcoma (eRMS), three principle tumors associated with human Gorlin syndrome. However, the cells of origin of these tumors, including eRMS, remain poorly understood. In this study, we explore the cell populations that give rise to Hh-related tumors by specifically activating Smoothened (Smo) in both Hh-producing and -responsive cell lineages in postnatal mice. Interestingly, we find that unlike BCC and MB, eRMS originates from the stem/progenitor populations that do not normally receive active Hh signaling. Furthermore, we find that the myogenic lineage in postnatal mice is largely Hh quiescent and that Pax7-expressing muscle satellite cells are not able to give rise to eRMS upon Smo or Gli1/2 overactivation in vivo, suggesting that Hh-induced skeletal muscle eRMS arises from Hh/Gli quiescent non-myogenic cells. In addition, using the Gli1 null allele and a Gli3 repressor allele, we reveal a specific genetic requirement for Gli proteins in Hh-induced eRMS formation and provide molecular evidence for the involvement of Sox4/11 in eRMS cell survival and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Rajurkar
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - He Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jennifer L. Cotton
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Julie K. Brooks
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Jason Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Andrew P. McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, WM Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90015
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Almazán-Moga A, Roma J, Molist C, Vidal I, Jubierre L, Soriano A, Segura MF, Llort A, Sánchez de Toledo J, Gallego S. Optimization of rhabdomyosarcoma disseminated disease assessment by flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2014; 85:1020-9. [PMID: 25155056 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. Circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood or disseminated to bone marrow, a concept commonly referred to as minimal residual disease (MRD), are thought to be key to the prediction of metastasis and treatment efficacy. To date, two MRD markers, MYOD and MYOGENIN, have been tested; however, MRD detection continues to be challenging mainly owing to the closeness of the detection limit and the discordance of both markers in some samples. Therefore, the addition of a third marker could be useful for more accurate MRD assessment. The PAX3 gene is expressed during embryo development in all myogenic precursor cells in the dermomyotome. As RMS cells are thought to originate from these muscle precursor cells, they are expected to be positive for PAX3. In this study, PAX3 expression was characterized in cancer cell lines and tumors, showing wide expression in RMS. Detection sensitivities by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of the previously proposed markers, MYOD and MYOGENIN, were similar to that of PAX3, thereby indicating the feasibility of its detection. Interestingly, the flow cytometry experiments supported the usefulness of this technique in the quantification of MRD in RMS using PAX3 as a marker. These results indicate that flow cytometry, albeit in some cases slightly less sensitive, can be considered a good approach for MRD assessment in RMS and more consistent than qPCR, especially owing to its greater specificity. Furthermore, fluorescence-activated cell sorting permits the recovery of cells, thereby providing material for further characterization of circulating or disseminated cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Almazán-Moga
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Pediatric Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Menke J, Pauli S, Sigler M, Kühnle I, Shoukier M, Zoll B, Ganster C, Salinas-Riester G, Schaefer IM. Uniparental Trisomy of a Mutated HRAS Proto-Oncogene in Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of a Patient With Costello Syndrome. J Clin Oncol 2014; 33:e62-5. [PMID: 24637993 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.49.6539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Menke
- University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Silke Pauli
- University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Ingrid Kühnle
- University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Zoll
- University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hettmer S, Teot LA, van Hummelen P, MacConaill L, Bronson RT, Dall'Osso C, Mao J, McMahon AP, Gruber PJ, Grier HE, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Fletcher CD, Wagers AJ. Mutations in Hedgehog pathway genes in fetal rhabdomyomas. J Pathol 2013; 231:44-52. [PMID: 23780909 PMCID: PMC3875333 DOI: 10.1002/path.4229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ligand-independent, constitutive activation of Hedgehog signalling in mice expressing a mutant, activated SmoM2 allele results in the development of multifocal, highly differentiated tumours that express myogenic markers (including desmin, actin, MyoD and myogenin). The histopathology of these tumours, commonly classified as rhabdomyosarcomas, more closely resembles human fetal rhabdomyoma (FRM), a benign tumour that can be difficult to distinguish from highly differentiated rhabdomyosarcomas. We evaluated the spectrum of Hedgehog (HH) pathway gene mutations in a cohort of human FRM tumours by targeted Illumina sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization testing for PTCH1. Our studies identified functionally relevant aberrations at the PTCH1 locus in three of five FRM tumours surveyed, including a PTCH1 frameshift mutation in one tumour and homozygous deletions of PTCH1 in two tumours. These data suggest that activated Hedgehog signalling contributes to the biology of human FRM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nishimura R, Takita J, Sato-Otsubo A, Kato M, Koh K, Hanada R, Tanaka Y, Kato K, Maeda D, Fukayama M, Sanada M, Hayashi Y, Ogawa S. Characterization of genetic lesions in rhabdomyosarcoma using a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism array. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:856-64. [PMID: 23578105 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common solid tumor in childhood divided into two histological subtypes, embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS). The ARMS subtype shows aggressive clinical behavior with poor prognosis, while the ERMS subtype has a more favorable outcome. Because of the rarity, diagnostic diversity and heterogeneity of this tumor, its etiology remains to be completely elucidated. Thus, to identify genetic alterations associated with RMS development, we performed single nucleotide polymorphism array analyses of 55 RMS samples including eight RMS-derived cell lines. The ERMS subtype was characterized by hyperploidy, significantly associated with gains of chromosomes 2, 8 and 12, whereas the majority of ARMS cases exhibited near-diploid copy number profiles. Loss of heterozygosity of 15q was detected in 45.5% of ARMS that had been unrecognized in RMS to date. Novel amplifications were also detected, including IRS2 locus in two fusion-positive tumors, and KRAS or NRAS loci in three ERMS cases. Of note, gain of 13q was significantly associated with good patient outcome in ERMS. We also identified possible application of an ALK inhibitor to RMS, as ALK amplification and frequent expression of ALK were detected in our RMS cohort. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying RMS pathogenesis and support further studies for therapeutic development of RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riki Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zanola A, Rossi S, Faggi F, Monti E, Fanzani A. Rhabdomyosarcomas: an overview on the experimental animal models. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 16:1377-91. [PMID: 22225829 PMCID: PMC3823208 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are aggressive childhood soft-tissue malignancies deriving from mesenchymal progenitors that are committed to muscle-specific lineages. Despite the histopathological signatures associated with three main histological variants, termed embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphic, a plethora of genetic and molecular changes are recognized in RMS. Over the years, exposure to carcinogens or ionizing radiations and gene-targeting approaches in vivo have greatly contributed to disclose some of the mechanisms underlying RMS onset. In this review, we describe the principal distinct features associated with RMS variants and focus on the current available experimental animal models to point out the molecular determinants cooperating with RMS development and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zanola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kelleher FC, Cain JE, Healy JM, Watkins DN, Thomas DM. Prevailing importance of the hedgehog signaling pathway and the potential for treatment advancement in sarcoma. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 136:153-68. [PMID: 22906929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog signaling pathway is important in embryogenesis and post natal development. Constitutive activation of the pathway due to mutation of pathway components occurs in ~25% of medulloblastomas and also in basal cell carcinomas. In many other malignancies the therapeutic role for hedgehog inhibition though intriguing, based on preclinical data, is far from assured. Hedgehog inhibition is not an established part of the treatment paradigm of sarcoma but the scientific rationale for a possible benefit is compelling. In chondrosarcoma there is evidence of hedgehog pathway activation and an ontologic comparison between growth plate chondrocyte differentiation and different chondrosarcoma subtypes. Immunostaining epiphyseal growth plate for Indian hedgehog is particularly positive in the zone of pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes which correlates ontologically with conventional chondrosarcoma. In Ewing sarcoma/PNET tumors the Gli1 transcription factor is a direct target of the EWS-FLI1 oncoprotein present in 85% of cases. In many cases of rhabdomyosarcomas there is increased expression of Gli1 (Ragazzini et al., 2004). Additionally, a third of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas have loss of Chr.9q22 that encompasses the patched locus (Bridge et al., 2000). The potential to treat osteosarcoma by inhibition of Gli2 and the role of the pathway in ovarian fibromas and other connective tissue tumors is also discussed (Nagao et al., 2011; Hirotsu et al., 2010). Emergence of acquired secondary resistance to targeted therapeutics is an important issue that is also relevant to hedgehog inhibition. In this context secondary resistance of medulloblastomas to treatment with a smoothened antagonist in two tumor mouse models is examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fergal C Kelleher
- Sarcoma Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 12 St. Andrew's Place, A'Beckitt Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Neoplasms of striated and smooth muscle in children are a diverse group of neoplasms that have some unique aspects in contrast to these tumors in adults. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of infancy and childhood and is relatively common in adolescents. In contrast, smooth muscle tumors are relatively rare, and the various types of rhabdomyoma and smooth and skeletal muscle hamartomas are very uncommon. In recent years, the understanding of the pathologic and genetic aspects of rhabdomyosarcoma has been enhanced by adjunct techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic or molecular genetic analysis. The current classification of rhabdomyosarcoma emphasizes the histologic-prognostic correlations. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of striated and smooth muscle tumors with an emphasis on the unique aspects of these neoplasms in children and adolescents and the differential diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Parham
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Van Gaal JC, De Bont ES, Kaal SE, Versleijen-Jonkers Y, van der Graaf WT. Building the bridge between rhabdomyosarcoma in children, adolescents and young adults: The road ahead. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2012; 82:259-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
|
34
|
Belyea B, Kephart JG, Blum J, Kirsch DG, Linardic CM. Embryonic signaling pathways and rhabdomyosarcoma: contributions to cancer development and opportunities for therapeutic targeting. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:406239. [PMID: 22619564 PMCID: PMC3350847 DOI: 10.1155/2012/406239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood and adolescence, accounting for approximately 7% of childhood cancers. Current therapies include nonspecific cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, radiation therapy, and surgery; however, these multimodality strategies are unsuccessful in the majority of patients with high-risk disease. It is generally believed that these tumors represent arrested or aberrant skeletal muscle development, and, accordingly, developmental signaling pathways critical to myogenesis such as Notch, WNT, and Hedgehog may represent new therapeutic targets. In this paper, we summarize the current preclinical studies linking these embryonic pathways to rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis and provide support for the investigation of targeted therapies in this embryonic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Belyea
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Julie Grondin Kephart
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jordan Blum
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Corinne M. Linardic
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Caveolins are scaffolding proteins that play a pivotal role in numerous processes, including caveolae biogenesis, vesicular transport, cholesterol homeostasis and regulation of signal transduction. There are three different isoforms (Cav-1, -2 and -3) that form homo- and hetero-aggregates at the plasma membrane and modulate the activity of a number of intracellular binding proteins. Cav-1 and Cav-3, in particular, are respectively expressed in the reserve elements (e.g. satellite cells) and in mature myofibres of skeletal muscle and their expression interplay characterizes the switch from muscle precursors to differentiated elements. Recent findings have shown that caveolins are also expressed in rhabdomyosarcoma, a group of heterogeneous childhood soft-tissue sarcomas in which the cancer cells seem to derive from progenitors that resemble myogenic cells. In this review, we will focus on the role of caveolins in rhabdomyosarcomas and on their potential use as markers of the degree of differentiation in these paediatric tumours. Given that the function of Cav-1 as tumour conditional gene in cancer has been well-established, we will also discuss the relationship between Cav-1 and the progression of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy Department of Pathology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Notch, wnt, and hedgehog pathways in rhabdomyosarcoma: from single pathways to an integrated network. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:695603. [PMID: 22550422 PMCID: PMC3329671 DOI: 10.1155/2012/695603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. Regarding histopathological criteria, RMS can be divided into 2 main subtypes: embryonal and alveolar. These subtypes differ considerably in their clinical phenotype and molecular features. Abnormal regulation or mutation of signalling pathways that regulate normal embryonic development such as Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt is a recurrent feature in tumorigenesis. Herein, the general features of each of the three pathways, their implication in cancer and particularly in RMS are reviewed. Finally, the cross-talking among these three pathways and the possibility of better understanding of the horizontal communication among them, leading to the development of more potent therapeutic approaches, are discussed.
Collapse
|
37
|
Pressey JG, Anderson JR, Crossman DK, Lynch JC, Barr FG. Hedgehog pathway activity in pediatric embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57:930-8. [PMID: 21618411 PMCID: PMC3164386 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.23174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is implicated widely in both pediatric and adult malignancies. Inactivation of the Hh regulator PTCH is responsible for the Gorlin cancer predisposition syndrome. The spectrum of tumors found in Gorlin Syndrome includes basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, and rarely, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). A previous report utilizing in situ hybridization has provided initial evidence for the expression of Hh targets GLI1 and PTCH in RMS tumors. PROCEDURE To investigate the role of Hh pathway signaling in pediatric RMS and undifferentiated sarcoma (US) tumors, the expression of Hh pathway targets GLI1 and PTCH was measured. RNA was extracted from archival human tumor specimens collected from pediatric patients enrolled on Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study III and IV, and subjected to quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Expression of GLI1 with or without PTCH was detected in substantial subsets of embryonal RMS (ERMS) and US tumors but only rarely in alveolar RMS tumors. Neither PTCH mutations nor activating SMO mutations were detected in ERMS tumors with high GLI1 expression. Microarray analysis demonstrated relative overexpression of downstream Hh targets in ERMS tumors with high or intermediate GLI1 expression. Unlike a recent report, Hh pathway activity in ERMS tumors did not correlate with a unique clinical phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support a role for Hh pathway activation in the genesis of a subset of ERMS and US tumors. Hh signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target in affected tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Pressey
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Joseph G. Pressey, MD, Telephone: (205) 939-5427, Facsimile: (205) 996-7570,
| | | | | | - James C. Lynch
- Childrens Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dumont SN, Lazar AJ, Bridge JA, Benjamin RS, Trent JC. PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion status in older rhabdomyosarcoma patient population by fluorescent in situ hybridization. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2011; 138:213-20. [PMID: 22089931 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-011-1089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7-FOXO1 gene fusions are prognostic indicators, while little is known concerning this disease in older patients. To determine whether PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion gene status correlates with outcome in adolescent, young adult, and adult rhabdomyosarcoma patients, the histological, immunohistochemical, and clinical characteristics of 105 patients followed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1957 to 2001 were evaluated. METHODS The samples were assembled into a tissue microarray, and fusion gene status was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using PAX3, PAX7, and FOXO1 loci-specific probes. The disease characteristics and specific gene fusion were correlated with patient outcomes using the log-rank test. RESULTS Fifty-two percent of the samples exhibited a PAX3-FOXO1 fusion, 15% the PAX7-FOXO1 fusion, and 33% were negative for a rearrangement of these loci. The presence of PAX3/7-FOXO1 translocation was significantly associated with a higher frequency of metastatic disease. Although a statistically significant correlation between the PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion gene status and overall survival was not identified, there was a trend toward better outcomes for patients with fusion-negative RMS. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, identification of a FOXO1 fusion appears to be an interesting tool for predicting outcomes in older rhabdomyosarcoma patients and is worth further investigations in this rare subgroup of RMS population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Dumont
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tostar U, Toftgård R, Zaphiropoulos PG, Shimokawa T. Reduction of human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma tumor growth by inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Genes Cancer 2011; 1:941-51. [PMID: 21779473 DOI: 10.1177/1947601910385449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (E-RMS) represents the most common RMS subtype, but the molecular events driving this tumor are still largely unknown. The hedgehog (HH) pathway, a major signal transduction cascade, is linked with many cancers, including RMS. As we previously have detected loss of heterozygosity of PTCH1 in E-RMS, we now examined 8 E-RMS tumor samples and 5 E-RMS cell lines for the presence of PTCH1 mutations, but none was detected. However, in the E-RMS cell lines, a variable pattern of up-regulated expression of certain HH signaling target genes, including HHIP, PTCH1, SFRP1, and GLI1, was observed. Moreover, treatment with the small molecule HH signaling inhibitors cyclopamine and GANT61 inhibited cell proliferation in all E-RMS cell lines analyzed. Interestingly, GANT61 was more effective, and this was accompanied by increased apoptosis, while cyclopamine promoted necrotic events. Specific knockdown of SMO had no effect on the proliferation of E-RMS cells, indicating the presence of an SMO-independent HH signaling pathway in the E-RMS cell lines. Furthermore, in an in vivo xenograft model, tumor growth was significantly reduced by GANT61 treatment of E-RMS cells. Additionally, siRNA experiments provided evidence that inhibition of GLI1 or GLI3 but not GLI2 was sufficient to reduce proliferation of these cell lines. As GANT61 is known to block GLI1/GLI2 transcriptional activity, the inhibition of E-RMS growth by GANT61 is likely to be mediated through GLI1. In conclusion, our findings implicate that GLI1 could constitute an effective therapeutic target in pediatric E-RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrica Tostar
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14183 Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Liu J, Guzman MA, Pezanowski D, Patel D, Hauptman J, Keisling M, Hou SJ, Papenhausen PR, Pascasio JM, Punnett HH, Halligan GE, de Chadarévian JP. FOXO1-FGFR1 fusion and amplification in a solid variant of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Mod Pathol 2011; 24:1327-35. [PMID: 21666686 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2011.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common pediatric soft tissue malignancy. Two major subtypes, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, constitute 20 and 60% of all cases, respectively. Approximately 80% of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma carry two signature chromosomal translocations, t(2;13)(q35;q14) resulting in PAX3-FOXO1 fusion, and t(1;13)(p36;q14) resulting in PAX7-FOXO1 fusion. Whether the remaining cases are truly negative for gene fusion has been questioned. We are reporting the case of a 9-month-old girl with a metastatic neck mass diagnosed histologically as solid variant alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Chromosome analysis showed a t(8;13;9)(p11.2;q14;9q32) three-way translocation as the sole clonal aberration. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated a rearrangement at the FOXO1 locus and an amplification of its centromeric region. Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based microarray analysis illustrated a co-amplification of the FOXO1 gene at 13q14 and the FGFR1 gene at 8p12p11.2, suggesting formation and amplification of a chimerical FOXO1-FGFR1 gene. This is the first report to identify a novel fusion partner FGFR1 for the known anchor gene FOXO1 in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinglan Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sultan I, Ferrari A. Selecting multimodal therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2011; 10:1285-301. [PMID: 20735314 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a typical tumor of childhood, characterized by a high grade of malignancy, local invasiveness and a marked propensity to metastasize, but also a generally good response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Multimodal therapy is essential to cure rhabdomyosarcoma patients, but different uses of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and their intensity, need to be selected and modulated to different patient risk groups. This article attempts to give an account of the current treatment options, the open and debated issues and the potential novel strategies for the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iyad Sultan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Irbid, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li F, Shi W, Capurro M, Filmus J. Glypican-5 stimulates rhabdomyosarcoma cell proliferation by activating Hedgehog signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 192:691-704. [PMID: 21339334 PMCID: PMC3044117 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201008087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Binding between the Hedgehog ligand and its receptor Patched 1 is stabilized by Glypican-5. Glypican-5 (GPC5) is one of the six members of the glypican family. It has been previously reported that GPC5 stimulates the proliferation of rhabdomyosarcoma cells. In this study, we show that this stimulatory activity of GPC5 is a result of its ability to promote Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. We have previously shown that GPC3, another member of the glypican family, inhibits Hh signaling by competing with Patched 1 (Ptc1) for Hh binding. Furthermore, we showed that GPC3 binds to Hh through its core protein but not to Ptc1. In this paper, we demonstrate that GPC5 increases the binding of Sonic Hh to Ptc1. We also show that GPC5 binds to both Hh and Ptc1 through its glycosaminoglycan chains and that, unlike GPC3, GPC5 localizes to the primary cilia. Interestingly, we found that the heparan sulfate chains of GPC5 display a significantly higher degree of sulfation than those of GPC3. Based on these results, we propose that GPC5 stimulates Hh signaling by facilitating/stabilizing the interaction between Hh and Ptc1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuchuan Li
- Division of Molecular and Cell Biology, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Paulson V, Chandler G, Rakheja D, Galindo RL, Wilson K, Amatruda JF, Cameron S. High-resolution array CGH identifies common mechanisms that drive embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma pathogenesis. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2011; 50:397-408. [PMID: 21412928 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma occurs as two biologically distinct histological variants, embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS). To identify genomic changes that drive ERMS pathogenesis, we used a new array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) platform to examine a specific subset of ERMS tumors, those occurring in children with clinically defined intermediate-risk disease. The aCGH platform used has an average probe spacing ∼1 kb, and can identify genomic changes with single gene resolution. Our data suggest that these tumors share a common genomic program that includes inactivation of a master regulator of the p53 and Rb pathways, CDKN2A/B, and activation of FGFR4, Ras, and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. The CDKN2A/B tumor suppressor is deleted in most patient samples. FGFR4, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, is activated in 20% of tumors, predominantly by amplification of mutant, activating FGFR4 alleles. Over 50% of patients had low-level gains of a region containing the Hh-pathway transcription factor GLI1, and a gene expression pattern consistent with Hh-pathway activation. We also identified intragenic deletions affecting NF1, a tumor suppressor and inhibitor of Ras, in 15% of tumor samples. Deletion of NF1 and the presence of activating Ras mutations (in 42% of patients) were mutually exclusive, suggesting NF1 loss is an alternative and potentially common mechanism of Ras activation in ERMS. Our data suggest that intermediate-risk ERMS is driven by a common set of genomic defects, a finding that has important implications for the application of targeted therapies to improve the treatment of children diagnosed with this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Paulson
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are very heterogeneous tumors that can be divided into three major groups: alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. Concerted efforts over the past a decade have led to an understanding of the genetic underpinnings of many human tumors through genetically engineered models; however, left largely behind in this effort have been rare tumors with poorly understood chromosomal abnormalities including the vast majority of RMS lacking a pathognomonic translocation, i.e. fusion-negative RMS. In this chapter, we review the characteristic genetic abnormalities associated with human RMS and the genetically engineered animal models for these fusion-negative RMS. We explore not only how specific combinations of mutations and cell of origin give rise to different histologically and biologically distinguishable pediatric and adult RMS subtypes, but we also examine how tumor cell phenotype (and tumor "stem" cell phenotype) can vary markedly from the cell of origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pape' Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Saab R, Spunt SL, Skapek SX. Myogenesis and rhabdomyosarcoma the Jekyll and Hyde of skeletal muscle. Curr Top Dev Biol 2011; 94:197-234. [PMID: 21295688 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-380916-2.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma, a neoplasm composed of skeletal myoblast-like cells, represents the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. The application of intensive chemotherapeutics and refined surgical and radiation therapy approaches have improved survival for children with localized disease over the past 3 decades; however, these approaches have not improved the dismal outcome for children with metastatic and recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma. Elegant studies have defined the molecular mechanisms driving skeletal muscle lineage commitment and differentiation, and the machinery that couples differentiation with irreversible cell proliferation arrest. Further, detailed molecular analyses indicate that rhabdomyosarcoma cells have lost the capacity to fully differentiate when challenged to do so in experimental models. We review the intersection of normal skeletal muscle developmental biology and the molecular genetic defects in rhabdomyosarcoma with the underlying premise that understanding how the differentiation process has gone awry will lead to new treatment strategies aimed at promoting myogenic differentiation and concomitant cell cycle arrest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raya Saab
- Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon, Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Roma J, Masià A, Reventós J, Sánchez de Toledo J, Gallego S. Notch pathway inhibition significantly reduces rhabdomyosarcoma invasiveness and mobility in vitro. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 17:505-13. [PMID: 21177409 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children and can be divided into two main subtypes: embryonal and alveolar RMS. Patients with metastatic disease continue to have very poor prognosis although aggressive therapies and recurrences are common in advanced localized disease. The oncogenic potential of the Notch pathway has been established in some cancers of the adult and in some pediatric malignancies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A real-time PCR assay was used to ascertain the expression of several Notch pathway components in a wide panel of RMS and cell lines. Four γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) were tested for pathway inhibition and the degree of inhibition was assessed by analysis of Hes1 and Hey1 expression. The putative effects of Notch pathway inhibition were evaluated by wound-healing, matrigel/transwell invasion, cell-cycle, and apoptosis assays. RESULTS The Notch pathway was widely expressed and activated in RMS and underwent substantial inhibition when treated with GSIs or transfected with a dominant negative form of MAML1. RMS cells showed a significant decrease in its mobility and invasiveness when the Notch pathway was properly inhibited; conversely, its inhibition had no noticeable effect on cell cycle or apoptosis. CONCLUSION Pharmacological or genetic blockage of the pathway significantly reduced invasiveness of RMS cell lines, thereby suggesting a possible role of the Notch pathway in the regulation of the metastatic process in RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep Roma
- Biomedical Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Barakat MT, Humke EW, Scott MP. Learning from Jekyll to control Hyde: Hedgehog signaling in development and cancer. Trends Mol Med 2010; 16:337-48. [PMID: 20696410 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2010] [Revised: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) cascade controls cell proliferation, differentiation and patterning of tissues during embryogenesis but is largely suppressed in the adult. The Hh pathway can become reactivated in cancer. Here, we assimilate data from recent studies to understand how and when the Hh pathway is turned on to aid the neoplastic process. Hh signaling is now known to have a role in established tumors, enabling categorization of tumors based on the role Hh signaling plays in their growth. This categorization has relevance for prognosis and targeted therapeutics. In the first category, abnormal Hh signaling initiates the tumor. In the second category, Hh signaling helps maintain the tumor. In the third category, Hh signaling is implicated but its role is not yet defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique T Barakat
- Department of Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Clark Center West W252, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5439, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Jongmans MCJ, Hoogerbrugge PM, Hilkens L, Flucke U, van der Burgt I, Noordam K, Ruiterkamp-Versteeg M, Yntema HG, Nillesen WM, Ligtenberg MJL, van Kessel AG, Kuiper RP, Hoogerbrugge N. Noonan syndrome, the SOS1 gene and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2010; 49:635-41. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
|
49
|
Wexler LH, Ladanyi M. Diagnosing alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: morphology must be coupled with fusion confirmation. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:2126-8. [PMID: 20351321 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.5339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
MESH Headings
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Disease-Free Survival
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Testing
- Humans
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- PAX3 Transcription Factor
- PAX7 Transcription Factor/genetics
- Paired Box Transcription Factors/genetics
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/diagnosis
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/mortality
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/pathology
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/therapy
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal/diagnosis
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal/mortality
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal/pathology
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal/therapy
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Factors
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
|
50
|
Sumegi J, Streblow R, Frayer RW, Dal Cin P, Rosenberg A, Meloni-Ehrig A, Bridge JA. Recurrent t(2;2) and t(2;8) translocations in rhabdomyosarcoma without the canonical PAX-FOXO1 fuse PAX3 to members of the nuclear receptor transcriptional coactivator family. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2010; 49:224-36. [PMID: 19953635 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion oncoproteins PAX3-FOXO1 [t(2;13)(q35;q14)] and PAX7-FOXO1 [t(1;13)(p36;q14)] typify alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS); however, 20-30% of cases lack these specific translocations. In this study, cytogenetic and/or molecular characterization to include FISH, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequencing analyses of five rhabdomyosarcomas [four ARMS and one embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS)] with novel, recurrent t(2;2)(p23;q35) or t(2;8)(q35;q13) revealed that these noncanonical translocations fuse PAX3 to NCOA1 or NCOA2, respectively. The PAX3-NCOA1 and PAX3-NCOA2 transcripts encode chimeric proteins composed of the paired-box and homeodomain DNA-binding domains of PAX3, and the CID domain, the Q-rich region, and the activation domain 2 (AD2) domain of NCOA1 or NCOA2. To investigate the biological function of these recurrent variant translocations, the coding regions of PAX3-NCOA1 and PAX3-NCOA2 cDNA constructs were introduced into expression vectors with tetracycline-regulated expression. Both fusion proteins showed transforming activity in the soft-agar assay. Deletion of the AD2 portion of the PAX3-NCOA fusion proteins reduced the transforming activity of each chimeric protein. Similarly, but with greater impact, CID domain deletion fully abrogated the transforming activity of the chimeric protein. These studies (1) expand our knowledge of PAX3 variant translocations in RMS with identification of a novel PAX3-NCOA2 fusion, (2) show that both PAX3-NCOA1 and PAX3-NCOA2 represent recurrent RMS rearrangements, (3) confirm the transforming activity of both translocation events and demonstrate the essentiality of intact AD2 and CID domains for optimal transforming activity, and (4) provide alternative approaches (FISH and RT-PCR) for detecting PAX-NCOA fusions in nondividing cells of RMS. The latter could potentially be used as aids in diagnostically challenging cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janos Sumegi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Faculty of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|