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Müller MR, Burmeister A, Skowron MA, Stephan A, Söhngen C, Wollnitzke P, Petzsch P, Alves Avelar LA, Kurz T, Köhrer K, Levkau B, Nettersheim D. Characterization of the dehydrogenase-reductase DHRS2 and its involvement in histone deacetylase inhibition in urological malignancies. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114055. [PMID: 38704080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114055] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being implicated during tumor migration, invasion, clonogenicity, and proliferation, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)/-phosphate (NADP)-dependent dehydrogenase/reductase member 2 (DHRS2) has been considered to be induced upon inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACi). In this study, we evaluated the current knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of the (epi)genetic regulation of DHRS2, as well as its function during tumor progression. METHODS DHRS2 expression was evaluated on mRNA- and protein-level upon treatment with HDACi by means of qRT-PCR and western blot analyses, respectively. Re-analysis of RNA-sequencing data gained insight into expression of specific DHRS2 isoforms, while re-analysis of ATAC-sequencing data shed light on the chromatin accessibility at the DHRS2 locus. Further examination of the energy and lipid metabolism of HDACi-treated urologic tumor cells was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Enhanced DHRS2 expression levels upon HDACi treatment were directly linked to an enhanced chromatin accessibility at the DHRS2 locus. Particularly the DHRS2 ENST00000250383.11 protein-coding isoform was increased upon HDACi treatment. Application of the HDACi quisinostat only mildly influenced the energy metabolism of urologic tumor cells, though, the analysis of the lipid metabolism showed diminished sphingosine levels, as well as decreased S1P levels. Also the ratios of S1P/sphingosine and S1P/ceramides were reduced in all four quisinostat-treated urologic tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS With the emphasis on urologic malignancies (testicular germ cell tumors, urothelial, prostate, and renal cell carcinoma), this study concluded that elevated DHRS2 levels are indicative of a successful HDACi treatment and, thereby offering a novel putative predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aaron Burmeister
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Söhngen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Wollnitzke
- Institute of Molecular Medicine III, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Leandro A Alves Avelar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Bodo Levkau
- Institute of Molecular Medicine III, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Huang S, Zhang X, Wei Y, Xiao Y. Checkpoint CD24 function on tumor and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1367959. [PMID: 38487533 PMCID: PMC10937401 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1367959] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
CD24 is a protein found on the surface of cells that plays a crucial role in the proliferation, invasion, and spread of cancer cells. It adheres to cell membranes through glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) and is associated with the prognosis and survival rate of cancer patients. CD24 interacts with the inhibitory receptor Siglec-10 that is present on immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages, leading to the inhibition of natural killer cell cytotoxicity and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. This interaction helps tumor cells escape immune detection and attack. Although the use of CD24 as a immune checkpoint receptor target for cancer immunotherapy is still in its early stages, clinical trials have shown promising results. Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD24 have been found to be well-tolerated and safe. Other preclinical studies are exploring the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, antibody-drug conjugates, and gene therapy to target CD24 and enhance the immune response against tumors. In summary, this review focuses on the role of CD24 in the immune system and provides evidence for CD24 as a promising immune checkpoint for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Huang
- Department of Radiology, First Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Characteristic Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, First Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingtian Wei
- Department of Radiology, First Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyong Xiao
- Department of Radiology, First Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wakileh GA, Bierholz P, Kotthoff M, Skowron MA, Bremmer F, Stephan A, Anbuhl SM, Heukers R, Smit MJ, Ströbel P, Nettersheim D. Molecular characterization of the CXCR4 / CXCR7 axis in germ cell tumors and its targetability using nanobody-drug-conjugates. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:96. [PMID: 37996954 PMCID: PMC10668499 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00460-9] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Being stimulated by the chemokine CXCL12, the CXCR4 / CXCR7 cascade is involved in tumor proliferation, migration, and metastasis. The interaction between CXCL12, secreted by cells from the microenvironment, and its receptors is complex and has been ascribed to promote chemotherapy resistance. However, the role of this signaling axis and its targetability in germ cell tumors (GCT) is not fully understood. Thus, this study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a nanobody-drug-conjugate targeting CXCR4 (CXCR4-NDC) and functionally characterized this signaling pathway in GCT using small molecule inhibitors and nanobodies. As shown by diminished cell viability, enhanced apoptosis induction, and detection of mitotic catastrophes, we confirmed the cytotoxic efficacy of the CXCR4-NDC in CXCR4+-GCT cells (i.e. seminoma and yolk-sac tumor), while non-malignant CXCR4--fibroblasts, remained largely unaffected. Stimulation of CXCR4+ / CXCR7+-GCT cells with CXCL12 resulted in an enhanced proliferative and migratory capacity, while this effect could be reverted using CXCR4 inhibitors or a CXCR7-nanobody. Molecularly, the CXCR4 / CXCR7-signaling cascade could be activated independently of MAPK (ERK1 / 2)-phosphorylation. Although, in CXCR4- / CXCR7--embryonal carcinoma cells, CXCR7-expression was re-induced upon inhibition of ERK1 / 2-signaling. This study identified a nanobody-drug-conjugate targeting CXCR4 as a putative therapeutic option for GCT, i.e. seminoma and yolk-sac tumors. Furthermore, this study shed light on the functional role of the CXCR4 / CXCR7 / CXCL12-signaling cascade in GCT, demonstrating an important influence on proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal A Wakileh
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philipp Bierholz
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mara Kotthoff
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie M Anbuhl
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- QVQ Holding BV, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raimond Heukers
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- QVQ Holding BV, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martine J Smit
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Söhngen C, Thomas DJ, Skowron MA, Bremmer F, Eckstein M, Stefanski A, Driessen MD, Wakileh GA, Stühler K, Altevogt P, Theodorescu D, Klapdor R, Schambach A, Nettersheim D. CD24 targeting with NK-CAR immunotherapy in testis, prostate, renal and (luminal-type) bladder cancer and identification of direct CD24 interaction partners. FEBS J 2023; 290:4864-4876. [PMID: 37254618 PMCID: PMC11129509 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Alternative therapeutic options targeting urologic malignancies, such as germ cell tumours, as well as urothelial, renal and prostate carcinomas, are still urgently needed. The membrane protein CD24 represents a promising immunotherapeutical approach. The present study aimed to decipher the molecular function of CD24 in vitro and evaluate the cytotoxic capacity of a third-generation natural killer (NK) cell chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against CD24 in urologic tumour cell lines. Up to 20 urologic tumour cell lines and several non-malignant control cells were included. XTT viability assays and annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry analyses were performed to measure cell viability and apoptosis rates, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analyses identified direct interaction partners of CD24. Luciferase reporter assays were used to functionally validate transactivation of CD24 expression by SOX2. N- and O-glycosylation of CD24 were evaluated by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry. The study demonstrates that SOX2 transactivates CD24 expression in embryonal carcinoma cells. In cells of different urological origins, CD24 interacted with proteins involved in cell adhesion, ATP binding, phosphoprotein binding and post-translational modifications, such as histone acetylation and ubiquitination. Treatment of urological tumour cells with NK-CD24-CAR cells resulted in a decreased cell viability and apoptosis induction specifically in CD24+ tumour cells. Limitations of the study include the in vitro setting, which still has to be confirmed in vivo. In conclusion, we show that CD24 is a promising novel target for immune therapeutic approaches targeting urologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Söhngen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David J. Thomas
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A. Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc D. Driessen
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gamal A. Wakileh
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Altevogt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rüdiger Klapdor
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
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5
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Skowron MA, Kotthoff M, Bremmer F, Ruhnke K, Parmaksiz F, Richter A, Küffer S, Reuter-Jessen K, Pauls S, Stefanski A, Ströbel P, Stühler K, Nettersheim D. Targeting CLDN6 in germ cell tumors by an antibody-drug-conjugate and studying therapy resistance of yolk-sac tumors to identify and screen specific therapeutic options. Mol Med 2023; 29:40. [PMID: 36991316 PMCID: PMC10053054 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00636-3] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being the standard-of-care for four decades, cisplatin-based chemotherapy is highly efficient in treating germ cell tumors (GCT). However, often refractory patients present with a remaining (resistant) yolk-sac tumor (YST(-R)) component, resulting in poor prognosis due to lack of novel treatment options besides chemotherapy and surgery. The aim of this study was to identify novel targets for the treatment of YST by deciphering the molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance. Additionally, we screened the cytotoxic efficacy of a novel antibody-drug-conjugate targeting CLDN6 (CLDN6-ADC), as well as pharmacological inhibitors to target specifically YST. METHODS Protein and mRNA levels of putative targets were measured by flow cytometry, immunohistochemical stainings, mass spectrometry of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, phospho-kinase arrays, or qRT-PCR. Cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle assays of GCT and non-cancerous cells were performed using XTT cell viability assays or Annexin V / propidium iodide flow cytometry, respectively. Druggable genomic alterations of YST(-R) tissues were identified by the TrueSight Oncology 500 assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that treatment with a CLDN6-ADC enhanced apoptosis induction specifically in CLDN6+ GCT cells in comparison with non-cancerous controls. In a cell line-dependent manner, either an accumulation in the G2 / M cell cycle phase or a mitotic catastrophe was observed. Based on mutational and proteome profiling, this study identified drugs targeting the FGF, VGF, PDGF, mTOR, CHEK1, AURKA, or PARP signaling pathways as promising approaches to target YST. Further, we identified factors relevant for MAPK signaling, translational initiation and RNA binding, extracellular matrix-related processes as well as oxidative stress and immune response to be involved in therapy resistance. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study offers a novel CLDN6-ADC to target GCT. Additionally, this study presents novel pharmacological inhibitors blocking FGF, VGF, PDGF, mTOR, CHEK1, AURKA, or PARP signaling for the treatment of (refractory) YST patients. Finally, this study shed light on the mechanisms of therapy resistance in YST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mara Kotthoff
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katja Ruhnke
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fatma Parmaksiz
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annika Richter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Stella Pauls
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Muralidoss H, Muthusekhar MR. Expression of CD24 as Cancer Stem Cell Marker in the Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Prospective Study. Ann Maxillofac Surg 2023; 13:26-30. [PMID: 37711538 PMCID: PMC10499292 DOI: 10.4103/ams.ams_227_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive and recurrent malignancy. Identification of unique and overexpressed cell surface antigens is important in the diagnosis and development of cancer vaccines and various therapies for OSCC. We have used real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of cell surface protein CD24 in both tissue samples and in blood samples to study the clinicopathological features as well as to determine the gene expression profile of CD24 in OSCC and explore its role as a potential target of clinical therapy. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, the expression of CD24 was evaluated in 20 blood (3 ml) and tissue samples of OSCC specimens by quantitative RT-PCR. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was considered <0.05. Results CD24 was found to be upregulated amongst the cases for both the tissue and the blood. CD24 was statistically significant with P < 0.05. Fold change was calculated to assess the quantity of the difference in expression amongst cases when compared to controls. Results were supportive of CD24 being a reliable biomarker, hence blood samples can also be used in screening and diagnosis of OSCC. Discussion CD24 expression is significantly upregulated in blood and tissue samples in OSCC. In addition, CD24 overexpression is highly associated with adverse prognostic parameters such as lymph node involvement, advanced clinical stages and worse overall survival. Our findings have important implications in future practice, overexpression of CD24 in OSCC was associated with poor prognosis correlating to the clinical findings, large-scale comprehensive studies are needed further to confirm our findings. In addition to histological features, CD24 can be used as marker for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemavathy Muralidoss
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M R Muthusekhar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Burmeister A, Stephan A, Alves Avelar LA, Müller MR, Seiwert A, Höfmann S, Fischer F, Torres-Gomez H, Hoffmann MJ, Niegisch G, Bremmer F, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Albers P, Kurz T, Skowron MA, Nettersheim D. Establishment and Evaluation of Dual HDAC/BET Inhibitors as Therapeutic Options for Germ Cell Tumors and Other Urological Malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1674-1688. [PMID: 35999659 PMCID: PMC9630828 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Urological malignancies represent major challenges for clinicians, with annually rising incidences. In addition, cisplatin treatment induced long-term toxicities and the development of therapy resistance emphasize the need for novel therapeutics. In this study, we analyzed the effects of novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) and bromodomain and extraterminal domain-containing (BET) inhibitors to combine them into a potent HDAC-BET-fusion molecule and to understand their molecular mode-of-action. Treatment of (cisplatin-resistant) germ cell tumors (GCT), urothelial, renal, and prostate carcinoma cells with the HDAC, BET, and dual inhibitors decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis, and affected the cell cycle. Furthermore, a dual inhibitor considerably decreased tumor burden in GCT xenograft models. On a molecular level, correlating RNA- to ATAC-sequencing data indicated a considerable induction of gene expression, accompanied by site-specific changes of chromatin accessibility after HDAC inhibitor application. Upregulated genes could be linked to intra- and extra-cellular trafficking, cellular organization, and neuronal processes, including neuroendocrine differentiation. Regarding chromatin accessibility on a global level, an equal distribution of active or repressed DNA accessibility has been detected after HDAC inhibitor treatment, questioning the current understanding of HDAC inhibitor function. In summary, our HDAC, BET, and dual inhibitors represent a new treatment alternative for urological malignancies. Furthermore, we shed light on new molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of the tested epi-drugs, allowing for a better understanding of the underlying modes-of-action and risk assessment for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Burmeister
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leandro A. Alves Avelar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie R. Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Seiwert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Höfmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Fischer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hector Torres-Gomez
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michèle J. Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Bladder Cancer Group, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guenter Niegisch
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Bladder Cancer Group, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A. Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Corresponding Authors: Daniel Nettersheim, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. Phone: 49-021-1811-5844; E-mail: ; and Margaretha A. Skowron,
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Corresponding Authors: Daniel Nettersheim, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. Phone: 49-021-1811-5844; E-mail: ; and Margaretha A. Skowron,
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Skowron MA, Eul K, Stephan A, Ludwig GF, Wakileh GA, Bister A, Söhngen C, Raba K, Petzsch P, Poschmann G, Kuffour EO, Degrandi D, Ali S, Wiek C, Hanenberg H, Münk C, Stühler K, Köhrer K, Mass E, Nettersheim D. Profiling the 3D interaction between germ cell tumors and microenvironmental cells at the transcriptome and secretome level. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3107-3127. [PMID: 35811571 PMCID: PMC9441004 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TM), consisting of the extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells, might affect tumor invasiveness and the outcome of standard chemotherapy. This study investigated the cross-talk between germ cell tumors (GCT) and surrounding TM cells (macrophages, T-lymphocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts) at the transcriptome and secretome level. Using high-throughput approaches of three-dimensional (3D) co-cultured cellular aggregates, this study offers newly identified pathways to be studied with regard to sensitivity towards cisplatin-based chemotherapy or tumor invasiveness as a consequence of the cross-talk between tumor cells and TM components. Mass-spectrometry-based secretome analyses revealed that TM cells secreted factors involved in ECM organization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis and regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport. To evaluate direct cell-cell contacts, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing GCT cells and mCherry-expressing TM cells were co-cultured in 3D. Afterwards, cell populations were separated by flow cytometry and analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Correlating the secretome with transcriptome data indicated molecular processes such as cell adhesion and components of the ECM being enriched in most cell populations. Re-analyses of secretome data with regard to lysine- and proline-hydroxylated peptides revealed a gain in proteins, such as collagens and fibronectin. Cultivation of GCT cells on collagen I/IV- or fibronectin-coated plates significantly elevated adhesive and migratory capacity, while decreasing cisplatin sensitivity of GCT cells. Correspondingly, cisplatin sensitivity was significantly reduced in GCT cells under the influence of conditioned medium from fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This study sheds light on the cross-talk between GCT cells and their circumjacent TM, which results in deposition of the ECM and eventually promotes a pro-tumorigenic environment through enhanced migratory and adhesive capacity, as well as decreased cisplatin sensitivity. Hence, our observations indicate that targeting the ECM and its cellular components might be a novel therapeutic option in combination with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for GCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Eul
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gillian F Ludwig
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gamal A Wakileh
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arthur Bister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Söhngen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Raba
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Degrandi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Münk
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elvira Mass
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Developmental Biology of the Immune System, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Therapeutical interference with the epigenetic landscape of germ cell tumors: a comparative drug study and new mechanistical insights. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:5. [PMID: 34996497 PMCID: PMC8742467 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Type II germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common solid cancers in males of age 15 to 35 years. Treatment of these tumors includes cisplatin-based therapy achieving high cure rates, but also leading to late toxicities. As mainly young men are suffering from GCTs, late toxicities play a major role regarding life expectancy, and the development of therapy resistance emphasizes the need for alternative therapeutic options. GCTs are highly susceptible to interference with the epigenetic landscape; therefore, this study focuses on screening of drugs against epigenetic factors as a treatment option for GCTs.
Results We present seven different epigenetic inhibitors efficiently decreasing cell viability in GCT cell lines including cisplatin-resistant subclones at low concentrations by targeting epigenetic modifiers and interactors, like histone deacetylases (Quisinostat), histone demethylases (JIB-04), histone methyltransferases (Chaetocin), epigenetic readers (MZ-1, LP99) and polycomb-repressive complexes (PRT4165, GSK343). Mass spectrometry-based analyses of the histone modification landscape revealed effects beyond the expected mode-of-action of each drug, suggesting a wider spectrum of activity than initially assumed. Moreover, we characterized the effects of each drug on the transcriptome of GCT cells by RNA sequencing and found common deregulations in gene expression of ion transporters and DNA-binding factors. A kinase array revealed deregulations of signaling pathways, like cAMP, JAK-STAT and WNT. Conclusion Our study identified seven drugs against epigenetic modifiers to treat cisplatin-resistant GCTs. Further, we extensively analyzed off-target effects and modes-of-action, which are important for risk assessment of the individual drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01223-1.
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