1
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Labropoulou VT, Manou D, Ravazoula P, Alzahrani FM, Kalofonos HP, Theocharis AD. Expression of CD44 is associated with aggressiveness in seminomas. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:693. [PMID: 38796656 PMCID: PMC11127849 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09638-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) exhibit diverse biological and pathological features and are divided in two main types, seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). CD44 is a cell surface receptor, which is highly expressed in malignancies and is implicated in tumorigenesis affecting cell-matrix interactions and cell signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we examined the expression of CD44 in tumor cell lines and in patients' material. We found that CD44 is over-expressed in TGCTs compared to normal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining in 71 tissue specimens demonstrated increased expression of CD44 in some patients, whereas CD44 was absent in normal tissue. In seminomas, a high percentage of tumor and stromal cells showed cytoplasmic and/or cell surface staining for CD44 as well as increased staining for CD44 in the tumor stroma was found in some cases. The increased expression of CD44 either in tumor cells or in stromal components was associated with tumor size, nodal metastasis, vascular/lymphatic invasion, and disease stage only in seminomas. The increased stromal expression of CD44 in TGCTs was positively associated with angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS CD44 may exhibit diverse biological functions in seminomas and NSGCTs. The expression of CD44 in tumor cells as well as in tumor stroma fosters an aggressive phenotype in seminomas and should be considered in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki T Labropoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Manou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ravazoula
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, 26504, Greece
| | - Fatimah Mohammed Alzahrani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haralabos P Kalofonos
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, 26504, Greece
| | - Achilleas D Theocharis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Nicu AT, Ionel IP, Stoica I, Burlibasa L, Jinga V. Recent Advancements in Research on DNA Methylation and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Unveiling the Intricate Relationship. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1041. [PMID: 38791003 PMCID: PMC11117643 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of testicular cancer, with a particularly high incidence in the 15-45-year age category. Although highly treatable, resistance to therapy sometimes occurs, with devastating consequences for the patients. Additionally, the young age at diagnosis and the treatment itself pose a great threat to patients' fertility. Despite extensive research concerning genetic and environmental risk factors, little is known about TGCT etiology. However, epigenetics has recently come into the spotlight as a major factor in TGCT initiation, progression, and even resistance to treatment. As such, recent studies have been focusing on epigenetic mechanisms, which have revealed their potential in the development of novel, non-invasive biomarkers. As the most studied epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation was the first revelation in this particular field, and it continues to be a main target of investigations as research into its association with TGCT has contributed to a better understanding of this type of cancer and constantly reveals novel aspects that can be exploited through clinical applications. In addition to biomarker development, DNA methylation holds potential for developing novel treatments based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) and may even be of interest for fertility management in cancer survivors. This manuscript is structured as a literature review, which comprehensively explores the pivotal role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Ileana Paula Ionel
- Department of Specific Disciplines, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- The Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Macedo-Silva C, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Tavares NT, Barros-Silva D, Lencart J, Lobo J, Oliveira Â, Correia MP, Altucci L, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic regulation of TP53 is involved in prostate cancer radioresistance and DNA damage response signaling. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:395. [PMID: 37840069 PMCID: PMC10577134 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
External beam radiotherapy (RT) is a leading first-line therapy for prostate cancer (PCa), and, in recent years, significant advances have been accomplished. However, RT resistance can arise and result in long-term recurrence or disease progression in the worst-case scenario. Thus, making crucial the discovery of new targets for PCa radiosensitization. Herein, we generated a radioresistant PCa cell line, and found p53 to be highly expressed in radioresistant PCa cells, as well as in PCa patients with recurrent/disease progression submitted to RT. Mechanism dissection revealed that RT could promote p53 expression via epigenetic modulation. Specifically, a decrease of H3K27me3 occupancy at TP53 gene promoter, due to increased KDM6B activity, was observed in radioresistant PCa cells. Furthermore, p53 is essential for efficient DNA damage signaling response and cell recovery upon stress induction by prolonged fractionated irradiation. Remarkably, KDM6B inhibition by GSK-J4 significantly decreased p53 expression, consequently attenuating the radioresistant phenotype of PCa cells and hampering in vivo 3D tumor formation. Overall, this work contributes to improve the understanding of p53 as a mediator of signaling transduction in DNA damage repair, as well as the impact of epigenetic targeting for PCa radiosensitization.
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Grants
- CJ’s Research is funded by Research Center of Portuguese Institute of Porto (BF.CBEG CI-IPOP-27-2016) and EpiParty PI 159-CI-IPOP-152-2021).
- CM-S holds a fellowship grant from UniCampania, Naples, Italy (2019-UNA2CLE-0170010).
- VM-G was funded by P.CCC: Centro Compreensivo de Cancro do Porto” – NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072678, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- NTT was funded by P.CCC: Centro Compreensivo de Cancro do Porto” – NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072678, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- DB-S holds a fellowship grant from FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/136007/2018).
- MPC was funded by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (CEECINST/00091/2018).
- LA’s research is funded by Epi-MS under the VALERE 2019 Program; V:ALERE 2020—“CIRCE”; Campania Regional Government Technology Platform 2038 Lotta alle Patologie Oncologiche iCURE-B21C17000030007; Campania Regional Government FASE2: IDEAL; MIUR, Proof of Concept POC01_00043; POR Campania FSE 2014-2020 ASSE III; PON RI 2014/2020 “Dottorati Innovativi con caratterizzazione ndustrial”; Horizon EU: CAN-SERV BBMRI; EPI-MET MISE 2022; Bando giovani ricercatori D.R. n.834 del 30/09/2022 Università Vanvitelli project: Miranda; National Plan for NRRP Complementary Investments – Law Decree May 6, 2021, n. 59, converted and modified as to Law n. 101/2021Research initiatives for technologies and innovative trajectories in the health and care sectors: project ANTHEM (AdvaNced Technologies for Human-centrEd Medicine).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Macedo-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barros-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Lencart
- Medical Physics, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection Group-Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medical Physics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Oliveira
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P Correia
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Institute, 83100, Avellino, Italy
- IEOS, Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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4
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Lobo J, Acosta AM, Netto GJ. Molecular Biomarkers With Potential Clinical Application in Testicular Cancer. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100307. [PMID: 37611872 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are the most common testicular neoplasms. The morphologic spectrum of such tumors is wide, with several histologic subtypes within each group. Testicular tumors often represent a diagnostic challenge, requiring proper identification of their biologic potential for accurate risk stratification and selection of therapy. In the era of precision medicine, molecular biomarkers are increasingly assuming a critical role in the management of patients with cancer. Given the overall rarity of certain types of testicular neoplasms, progress in biomarker research has been relatively slow. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a multitude of important contributions, including both tissue-based and liquid biopsy biomarkers, stemming from important discoveries of tumor pathobiology, accurate histopathological analysis, multi-institutional studies, and genome-wide molecular analyses of specific tumor subtypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in molecular biomarkers of TGCTs and SCSTs, focusing on those with greatest potential for clinical application. In TGCTs, developmental biology has been the key to understanding these tumors and identifying clinically useful biomarkers (from classical serum tumor markers to pluripotency factors and circulating microRNAs of the 371-373 cluster). For SCSTs, studies have focused on tissue biomarkers only, and genome-wide investigations have recently contributed to a better understanding of rare phenotypes and the aggressive biological behavior of some tumors within this nosologic category. Several new biomarkers are moving toward clinical implementation in this field. Therefore, the practicing pathologist should be aware of their strengths and limitations in order to utilize them properly and maximize their clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal; Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andres M Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - George J Netto
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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5
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Bassal MA. The Interplay between Dysregulated Metabolism and Epigenetics in Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:944. [PMID: 37371524 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism (or energetics) and epigenetics are tightly coupled cellular processes. It is arguable that of all the described cancer hallmarks, dysregulated cellular energetics and epigenetics are the most tightly coregulated. Cellular metabolic states regulate and drive epigenetic changes while also being capable of influencing, if not driving, epigenetic reprogramming. Conversely, epigenetic changes can drive altered and compensatory metabolic states. Cancer cells meticulously modify and control each of these two linked cellular processes in order to maintain their tumorigenic potential and capacity. This review aims to explore the interplay between these two processes and discuss how each affects the other, driving and enhancing tumorigenic states in certain contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Adel Bassal
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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6
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Cuevas-Estrada B, Montalvo-Casimiro M, Munguia-Garza P, Ríos-Rodríguez JA, González-Barrios R, Herrera LA. Breaking the Mold: Epigenetics and Genomics Approaches Addressing Novel Treatments and Chemoresponse in TGCT Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097873. [PMID: 37175579 PMCID: PMC10178517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT) have been widely recognized for their outstanding survival rates, commonly attributed to their high sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapies. Despite this, a subset of patients develops cisplatin resistance, for whom additional therapeutic options are unsuccessful, and ~20% of them will die from disease progression at an early age. Several efforts have been made trying to find the molecular bases of cisplatin resistance. However, this phenomenon is still not fully understood, which has limited the development of efficient biomarkers and precision medicine approaches as an alternative that could improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. With the aim of providing an integrative landscape, we review the most recent genomic and epigenomic features attributed to chemoresponse in TGCT patients, highlighting how we can seek to combat cisplatin resistance through the same mechanisms by which TGCTs are particularly hypersensitive to therapy. In this regard, we explore ongoing treatment directions for resistant TGCT and novel targets to guide future clinical trials. Through our exploration of recent findings, we conclude that epidrugs are promising treatments that could help to restore cisplatin sensitivity in resistant tumors, shedding light on potential avenues for better prognosis for the benefit of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Cuevas-Estrada
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Michel Montalvo-Casimiro
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paulina Munguia-Garza
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Juan Alberto Ríos-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
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7
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Barchi M, Guida E, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Endocannabinoid system and epigenetics in spermatogenesis and testicular cancer. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:75-106. [PMID: 36863802 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, male germ cell development starts during fetal life and is carried out in postnatal life with the formation of sperms. Spermatogenesis is the complex and highly orderly process during which a group of germ stem cells is set at birth, starts to differentiate at puberty. It proceeds through several stages: proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis and it is strictly regulated by a complex network of hormonal, autocrine and paracrine factors and it is associated with a unique epigenetic program. Altered epigenetic mechanisms or inability to respond to these factors can impair the correct process of germ development leading to reproductive disorders and/or testicular germ cell cancer. Among factors regulating spermatogenesis an emerging role is played by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a complex system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthetic and degrading enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. Mammalian male germ cells have a complete and active ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis and that crucially regulates processes such as germ cell differentiation and sperm functions. Recently, cannabinoid receptor signaling has been reported to induce epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression. Epigenetic modifications may also affect the expression and function of ECS elements, highlighting the establishment of a complex mutual interaction. Here, we describe the developmental origin and differentiation of male germ cells and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) focusing on the interplay between ECS and epigenetic mechanisms involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Barchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Macedo-Silva C, Constâncio V, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Leite-Silva P, Salta S, Lobo J, Guimarães R, Carvalho-Maia C, Gigliano D, Farinha M, Sousa O, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. DNA methylation biomarkers accurately detect esophageal cancer prior and post neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8777-8788. [PMID: 36670548 PMCID: PMC10134363 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer (ECa) is associated with high mortality, mostly due to late diagnosis, precluding curativeintent surgery. Hence, neoadjuvant chemoradiation (ChRT) is recommended in most patients regardless of histological subtype. A proportion of these patients, however, achieve complete disease remission and might be spared of radical surgery. The lack of reliable, minimally invasive biomarkers able to detect post-ChRT disease persistence is, nonetheless, a major drawback. We have previously shown that miRNA promotor methylation enables accurate cancer detection in tissues and liquid biopsies but has been seldom explored in ECa patients. AIMS Herein, we sought to unveil and validate novel candidate biomarkers able to detect ECa prior and post ChRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Promoter methylation of miR129-2, miR124-3 and ZNF569 was assessed, using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP), in tissue samples from normal esophagus, treatment-naïve and post-ChRT ECa, as well as in liquid biopsies from ECa patients. RESULTS All genes disclosed significantly different promoter methylation levels between ECa and normal esophagus, accurately detecting post-ChRT disease, especially for adenocarcinoma. Remarkably, miR129-2me /ZNF569me methylation panel identified ECa in liquid samples with 53% sensitivity and 87% specificity. DISCUSSION MiR129-2me , miR124-3me and ZNF569me accurately discriminate ECa, either pre- or post-ChRT, from normal tissue, enabling ECa detection. Furthermore, circulalting methylation-based biomarkers are promising minimally invasive tools to detect post-ChRT residual ECa. CONCLUSION Overall, our results encourage the use of miRNA methylation biomarkers as accurate ECa detection tools as a novel approach for ChRT response monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Macedo-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Leite-Silva
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, Research Center & Department of Epidemiology of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Salta
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Carvalho-Maia
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Davide Gigliano
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Farinha
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Olga Sousa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
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9
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Courant F, Bougras-Cartron G, Abadie C, Frenel JS, Cartron PF. Modulation of DNA Methylation/Demethylation Reactions Induced by Nutraceuticals and Pollutants of Exposome Can Promote a C > T Mutation in the Breast Cancer Predisposing Gene PALB2. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6040032. [PMID: 36278678 PMCID: PMC9590087 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Deregulation of DNA methylation/demethylation reactions may be the source of C > T mutation via active deamination of 5-methylcytosine to thymine. Exposome, that is to say, the totality of exposures to which an individual is subjected during their life, can deregulate these reactions. Thus, one may wonder whether the exposome can induce C > T mutations in the breast cancer-predisposing gene PALB2. Methods: Our work is based on the exposure of MCF10A mammary epithelial cells to seven compounds of our exposome (folate, Diuron, glyphosate, PFOA, iron, zinc, and ascorbic acid) alone or in cocktail. The qMSRE and RMS techniques were used to study the impact of these exposures on the level of methylation and mutation of the PALB2 gene. Results: Here, we have found that exposome compounds (nutriments, ions, pollutants) promoting the cytosine methylation and the 5-methylcytosine deamination have the ability to promote a specific C > T mutation in the PALB2 gene. Interestingly, we also noted that the addition of exposome compounds promoting the TET-mediated conversion of 5-methylcytosine (Ascorbic acid and iron) abrogates the presence of C > T mutation in the PALB2 gene. Conclusions: Our study provides a proof of concept supporting the idea that exposomes can generate genetic mutation by affecting DNA methylation/demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florestan Courant
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Gwenola Bougras-Cartron
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Caroline Abadie
- Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Frenel
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Pierre-François Cartron
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
- Correspondence:
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10
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Ranasinghe R, Mathai ML, Zulli A. Cisplatin for cancer therapy and overcoming chemoresistance. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10608. [PMID: 36158077 PMCID: PMC9489975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin spearheads the anticancer chemotherapeutics in present-day use although acute toxicity is its primary impediment factor. Among a plethora of experimental medications, a drug as effective or surpassing the benefits of cisplatin has not been discovered yet. Although Oxaliplatin is considered more superior to cisplatin, the former has been better for colorectal cancer while cisplatin is widely used for treating gynaecological cancers. Carcinoma imposes a heavy toll on mortality rates worldwide despite the novel treatment strategies and detection methods that have been introduced; nanomedicine combined with precision medicine, immunotherapy, volume-regulated anion channels, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Millions of deaths occur annually from metastatic cancers which escape early detection and the concomitant diseases caused by highly toxic chemotherapy that causes organ damage. It continues due to insufficient knowledge of the debilitative mechanisms induced by cancer biology. To overcome chemoresistance and to attenuate the adverse effects of cisplatin therapy, both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-treated cancers and a few multi-centred, multi-phasic, randomized clinical trials in pursuant with recent novel strategies have been tested. They include plant-based phytochemical compounds, de novo drug delivery systems, biochemical/immune pathways, 2D and 3D cell culture models using small molecule inhibitors and genetic/epigenetic mechanisms, that have contributed to further the understanding of cisplatin's role in modulating the tumour microenvironment. Cisplatin was beneficial in cancer therapy for modulating the putative cellular mechanisms; apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and gene therapy of micro RNAs. Specific importance of drug influx, efflux, systemic circulatory toxicity, half-maximal inhibition, and the augmentation of host immunometabolism have been identified. This review offers a discourse on the recent anti-neoplastic treatment strategies to enhance cisplatin efficacy and to overcome chemoresistance, given its superiority among other tolerable chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranmali Ranasinghe
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael L Mathai
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Prediction of Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: Where Do We Stand? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122918. [PMID: 35740584 PMCID: PMC9221086 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122918] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Platinum-based agents are one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs for various types of cancer. However, one of the main challenges in the application of platinum drugs is resistance, which is currently being widely investigated. Epigenetic DNA methylation-based biomarkers are promising to aid in the selection of patients, helping to foresee their platinum therapy response in advance. These biomarkers enable minimally invasive patient sample collection, short analysis, and good sensitivity. Hence, improved methodologies for the detection and quantification of DNA methylation biomarkers will facilitate their use in the choice of an optimal treatment strategy. Abstract Platinum-based chemotherapy is routinely used for the treatment of several cancers. Despite all the advances made in cancer research regarding this therapy and its mechanisms of action, tumor resistance remains a major concern, limiting its effectiveness. DNA methylation-based biomarkers may assist in the selection of patients that may benefit (or not) from this type of treatment and provide new targets to circumvent platinum chemoresistance, namely, through demethylating agents. We performed a systematic search of studies on biomarkers that might be predictive of platinum-based chemotherapy resistance, including in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models and clinical studies using patient samples. DNA methylation biomarkers predictive of response to platinum remain mostly unexplored but seem promising in assisting clinicians in the generation of more personalized follow-up and treatment strategies. Improved methodologies for their detection and quantification, including non-invasively in liquid biopsies, are additional attractive features that can bring these biomarkers into clinical practice, fostering precision medicine.
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12
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Singh R, Fazal Z, Bikorimana E, Boyd RI, Yerby C, Tomlin M, Baldwin H, Shokry D, Corbet AK, Shahid K, Hattab A, Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ. Reciprocal epigenetic remodeling controls testicular cancer hypersensitivity to hypomethylating agents and chemotherapy. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:683-698. [PMID: 34482638 PMCID: PMC8807365 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are aggressive but sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Alternative therapies are needed for tumors refractory to cisplatin with hypomethylating agents providing one possibility. The mechanisms of cisplatin hypersensitivity and resistance in TGCTs remain poorly understood. Recently, it has been shown that TGCTs, even those resistant to cisplatin, are hypersensitive to very low doses of hypomethylating agents including 5-aza deoxy-cytosine (5-aza) and guadecitabine. We undertook a pharmacogenomic approach in order to better understand mechanisms of TGCT hypomethylating agent hypersensitivity by generating a panel of acquired 5-aza-resistant TGCT cells and contrasting these to previously generated acquired isogenic cisplatin-resistant cells from the same parent. Interestingly, there was a reciprocal relationship between cisplatin and 5-aza sensitivity, with cisplatin resistance associated with increased sensitivity to 5-aza and 5-aza resistance associated with increased sensitivity to cisplatin. Unbiased transcriptome analysis revealed 5-aza-resistant cells strongly downregulated polycomb target gene expression, the exact opposite of the finding for cisplatin-resistant cells, which upregulated polycomb target genes. This was associated with a dramatic increase in H3K27me3 and decrease in DNMT3B levels in 5-aza-resistant cells, the exact opposite changes seen in cisplatin-resistant cells. Evidence is presented that reciprocal regulation of polycomb and DNMT3B may be initiated by changes in DNMT3B levels as DNMT3B knockdown alone in parental cells resulted in increased expression of H3K27me3, EZH2, and BMI1, conferred 5-aza resistance and cisplatin sensitization, and mediated genome-wide repression of polycomb target gene expression. Finally, genome-wide analysis revealed that 5-aza-resistant, cisplatin-resistant, and DNMT3B-knockdown cells alter the expression of a common set of polycomb target genes. This study highlights that reciprocal epigenetic changes mediated by DNMT3B and polycomb may be a key driver of the unique cisplatin and 5-aza hypersensitivity of TGCTs and suggests that distinct epigenetic vulnerabilities may exist for pharmacological targeting of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bikorimana
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Raya I Boyd
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Cliff Yerby
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Megan Tomlin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Hannah Baldwin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Doha Shokry
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Andrea K Corbet
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Khadeeja Shahid
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Aleyah Hattab
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.,Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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13
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Miranda-Gonçalves V, Lobo J, Guimarães-Teixeira C, Barros-Silva D, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Braga I, Maurício J, Oing C, Honecker F, Nettersheim D, Looijenga LHJ, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. The component of the m 6A writer complex VIRMA is implicated in aggressive tumor phenotype, DNA damage response and cisplatin resistance in germ cell tumors. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:268. [PMID: 34446080 PMCID: PMC8390281 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are developmental cancers, tightly linked to embryogenesis and germ cell development. The recent and expanding field of RNA modifications is being increasingly implicated in such molecular events, as well as in tumor progression and resistance to therapy, but still rarely explored in GCTs. In this work, and as a follow-up of our recent study on this topic in TGCT tissue samples, we aim to investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant of such modifications in mRNA, in in vitro and in vivo models representative of such tumors. Methods Four cell lines representative of GCTs (three testicular and one mediastinal), including an isogenic cisplatin resistant subline, were used. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of VIRMA was established and the chorioallantoic membrane assay was used to study its phenotypic effect in vivo. Results We demonstrated the differential expression of the various m6A writers, readers and erasers in GCT cell lines representative of the major classes of these tumors, seminomas and non-seminomas, and we evidenced changes occurring upon differentiation with all-trans retinoic acid treatment. We showed differential expression also among cells sensitive and resistant to cisplatin treatment, implicating these players in acquisition of cisplatin resistant phenotype. Knockdown of VIRMA led to disruption of the remaining methyltransferase complex and decrease in m6A abundance, as well as overall reduced tumor aggressiveness (with decreased cell viability, tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion) and increased sensitivity to cisplatin treatment, both in vitro and confirmed in vivo. Enhanced response to cisplatin after VIRMA knockdown was related to significant increase in DNA damage (with higher γH2AX and GADD45B levels) and downregulation of XLF and MRE11. Conclusions VIRMA has an oncogenic role in GCTs confirming our previous tissue-based study and is further involved in response to cisplatin by interfering with DNA repair. These data contribute to our better understanding of the emergence of cisplatin resistance in GCTs and support recent attempts to therapeutically target elements of the m6A writer complex. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02072-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584, CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barros-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christoph Oing
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedemann Honecker
- Tumour and Breast Center ZeTuP St. Gallen, Rorschacher Strasse 150, 9006, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584, CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Gemcitabine, carboplatin and veliparib in multiple relapsed/refractory germ cell tumours: The GCT-SK-004 phase II trial. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1664-1670. [PMID: 34052929 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01130-5] [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: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with multiple relapsed/refractory germ cell tumours (GCTs) have an extremely poor prognosis. PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) is overexpressed in GCTs compared to normal testes, and PARP overexpression is an early event in GCT development. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine, carboplatin and the PARP inhibitor veliparib in patients with multiple relapsed/refractory GCTs. Methods Fifteen patients with multiple relapsed/refractory GCTs were enrolled in this phase II study from October 2016 to October 2020. Gemcitabine was administered at a dose of 800 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks; carboplatin at a target AUC of 4 on day 1 every 3 weeks; and veliparib at a dose of 250 mg b.i.d. throughout. The primary end point was 12-month progression-free survival (PFS). Results The median number of treatment cycles was 4 (range 2-8). Twelve-month PFS was achieved in 1 (6.7 %) patient. The median PFS was 3.1 months (95 % CI 2.2-3.9), and the median overall survival was 10.5 months (95 % CI 8.9-11.1). Partial remission was achieved in 4 (26.7 %) patients, and disease stabilization was observed in 5 (33.3 %) patients. A favourable response was achieved in 3 (20.0 %) patients. Treatment was well tolerated; however, 11 (73.3 %) patients experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia, 10 (66.7 %) experienced thrombocytopenia, 5 (33.3 %) anaemia and 2 (13.3 %) febrile neutropenia. Conclusions This study failed to achieve its primary endpoint, and our data suggest limited efficacy of gemcitabine, carboplatin and veliparib for multiple relapsed/refractory GCTs. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02860819, registered August 9, 2016.
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15
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Epigenetic-Centric View of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071506. [PMID: 33805941 PMCID: PMC8036638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This minireview focuses on the role of epigenetics in testicular cancer. A working model is developed that postulates that epigenetic features that drive testicular cancer malignancy also enable these tumors to be cured at a high rate with chemotherapy. Chemoresistance may occur by epigenetic uncoupling of malignancy and chemosensitivity, a scenario that may be amenable to epigenetic-based therapies. Abstract Compared to many common solid tumors, the main genetic drivers of most testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are unknown. Decades of focus on genomic alterations in TGCTs including awareness of a near universal increase in copies of chromosome 12p have failed to uncover exceptional driver genes, especially in genes that can be targeted therapeutically. Thus far, TGCT patients have missed out on the benefits of targeted therapies available to treat most other malignancies. In the past decade there has been a greater appreciation that epigenetics may play an especially prominent role in TGCT etiology, progression, and hypersensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in TGCT biology, this mini-review will focus on the epigenetic “states” or features of testicular cancer, with an emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy. In addition, we comment on the current status of epigenetic-based therapy and epigenetic biomarker development for TGCTs. Finally, we suggest a unifying “rock and a hard place” or “differentiate or die” model where the tumorigenicity and curability of TGCTs are both dependent on common but still ill-defined epigenetic states.
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16
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Bharti D, Tikka M, Lee SY, Bok EY, Lee HJ, Rho GJ. Female Germ Cell Development, Functioning and Associated Adversities under Unfavorable Circumstances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041979. [PMID: 33671303 PMCID: PMC7922109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present era, infertility is one of the major issues which restricts many couples to have their own children. Infertility is the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for the period of one year or more. Various factors including defective male or female germ cell development, unhealthy and improper lifestyles, diseases like cancer and associated chemo-or-radiation therapies, congenital disorders, etc., may be responsible for infertility. Therefore, it is highly important to understand the basic concepts of germ cell development including primordial germ cell (PGC) formation, specification, migration, entry to genital ridges and their molecular mechanisms, activated pathways, paracrine and autocrine signaling, along with possible alteration which can hamper germ cell development and can cause adversities like cancer progression and infertility. Knowing all these aspects in a proper way can be very much helpful in improving our understanding about gametogenesis and finding possible ways to cure related disorders. Here in this review, various aspects of gametogenesis especially female gametes and relevant factors causing functional impairment have been thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bharti
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Manisha Tikka
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India;
| | - Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Eun-Yeong Bok
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093-0021, USA;
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
- Correspondence:
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