1
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Xu D, Yin S, Shu Y. NF2: An underestimated player in cancer metabolic reprogramming and tumor immunity. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:133. [PMID: 38879686 PMCID: PMC11180135 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor gene implicated in various tumors, including mesothelioma, schwannomas, and meningioma. As a member of the ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) family of proteins, merlin, which is encoded by NF2, regulates diverse cellular events and signalling pathways, such as the Hippo, mTOR, RAS, and cGAS-STING pathways. However, the biological role of NF2 in tumorigenesis has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, cross-cancer mutations may exert distinct biological effects on tumorigenesis and treatment response. In addition to the functional inactivation of NF2, the codeficiency of other genes, such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B), BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1), and large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2), results in unique tumor characteristics that should be considered in clinical treatment decisions. Notably, several recent studies have explored the metabolic and immunological features associated with NF2, offering potential insights into tumor biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we consolidate the current knowledge on NF2 and examine the potential connection between cancer metabolism and tumor immunity in merlin-deficient malignancies. This review may provide a deeper understanding of the biological roles of NF2 and guide possible therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyuan Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Yuan R, Wang B, Wang Y, Liu P. Gene Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 2-Related Schwannomatosis: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions. Oncol Ther 2024; 12:257-276. [PMID: 38760612 PMCID: PMC11187037 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-024-00279-2] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a rare autosomal dominant monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the NF2 gene. The hallmarks of NF2-related schwannomatosis are bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). The current treatment options for NF2-related schwannomatosis, such as observation with serial imaging, surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapies, have shown limited effectiveness and serious complications. Therefore, there is a critical demand for novel effective treatments. Gene therapy, which has made significant advancements in treating genetic diseases, holds promise for the treatment of this disease. This review covers the genetic pathogenesis of NF2-related schwannomatosis, the latest progress in gene therapy strategies, current challenges, and future directions of gene therapy for NF2-related schwannomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pinan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Hsieh AL, Bi WL, Ramesh V, Brastianos PK, Plotkin SR. Evolving concepts in meningioma management in the era of genomics. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38753473 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35279] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Meningioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor. Surgical resection followed by surveillance is the first-line treatment for the majority of symptomatic meningiomas; however, recent advances in molecular sequencing, DNA methylation, proteomics, and single-cell sequencing provide insights into further characterizing this heterogeneous group of tumors with a wide range of prognoses. A subset of these tumors are highly aggressive and cause severe morbidity and mortality. Therefore, identifying those individuals with a poor prognosis and intervening are critical. This review aims to help readers interpret the molecular profiling of meningiomas to identify patients with worse prognoses and guide the management and strategy for surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie L Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wenya Linda Bi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Central Nervous System Metastasis Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Li M, Ding W, Deng Y, Zhao Y, Liu Q, Zhou Z. The AAA-ATPase Ter94 regulates wing size in Drosophila by suppressing the Hippo pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:533. [PMID: 38710747 PMCID: PMC11074327 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06246-x] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect wing development is a fascinating and intricate process that involves the regulation of wing size through cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we find that Ter94, an AAA-ATPase, is essential for proper wing size dependently on its ATPase activity. Loss of Ter94 enables the suppression of Hippo target genes. When Ter94 is depleted, it results in reduced wing size and increased apoptosis, which can be rescued by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. Biochemical experiments reveal that Ter94 reciprocally binds to Mer, a critical upstream component of the Hippo pathway, and disrupts its interaction with Ex and Kib. This disruption prevents the formation of the Ex-Mer-Kib complex, ultimately leading to the inactivation of the Hippo pathway and promoting proper wing development. Finally, we show that hVCP, the human homolog of Ter94, is able to substitute for Ter94 in modulating Drosophila wing size, underscoring their functional conservation. In conclusion, Ter94 plays a positive role in regulating wing size by interfering with the Ex-Mer-Kib complex, which results in the suppression of the Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Wenhao Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Yanran Deng
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Utilization of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.
| | - Zizhang Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Utilization of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.
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5
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Barrett TF, Patel B, Khan SM, Mullins RDZ, Yim AKY, Pugazenthi S, Mahlokozera T, Zipfel GJ, Herzog JA, Chicoine MR, Wick CC, Durakovic N, Osbun JW, Shew M, Sweeney AD, Patel AJ, Buchman CA, Petti AA, Puram SV, Kim AH. Single-cell multi-omic analysis of the vestibular schwannoma ecosystem uncovers a nerve injury-like state. Nat Commun 2024; 15:478. [PMID: 38216553 PMCID: PMC10786875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42762-w] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors that lead to significant neurologic and otologic morbidity. How VS heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to VS pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we perform scRNA-seq on 15 VS, with paired scATAC-seq (n = 6) and exome sequencing (n = 12). We identify diverse Schwann cell (SC), stromal, and immune populations in the VS TME and find that repair-like and MHC-II antigen-presenting SCs are associated with myeloid cell infiltrate, implicating a nerve injury-like process. Deconvolution analysis of RNA-expression data from 175 tumors reveals Injury-like tumors are associated with larger tumor size, and scATAC-seq identifies transcription factors associated with nerve repair SCs from Injury-like tumors. Ligand-receptor analysis and in vitro experiments suggest that Injury-like VS-SCs recruit myeloid cells via CSF1 signaling. Our study indicates that Injury-like SCs may cause tumor growth via myeloid cell recruitment and identifies molecular pathways that may be therapeutically targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bhuvic Patel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saad M Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Riley D Z Mullins
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aldrin K Y Yim
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sangami Pugazenthi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tatenda Mahlokozera
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gregory J Zipfel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jacques A Herzog
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael R Chicoine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Cameron C Wick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nedim Durakovic
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua W Osbun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew Shew
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex D Sweeney
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Akash J Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Craig A Buchman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Allegra A Petti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Albert H Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine/Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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6
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Gerardo-Ramírez M, Giam V, Becker D, Groth M, Hartmann N, Morrison H, May-Simera HL, Radsak MP, Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Herrlich P, Straub BK, Hartmann M. Deletion of Cd44 Inhibits Metastasis Formation of Liver Cancer in Nf2-Mutant Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091257. [PMID: 37174657 PMCID: PMC10177437 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway plays a critical role in restricting cell proliferation and determining cell fate during physiological and pathological processes in the liver. Merlin (Moesin-Ezrin-Radixin-like protein) encoded by the NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 2) gene is an upstream regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway. Targeting of Merlin to the plasma membrane seems to be crucial for its major tumor-suppressive functions; this is facilitated by interactions with membrane-associated proteins, including CD44 (cluster of differentiation 44). Mutations within the CD44-binding domain of Merlin have been reported in many human cancers. This study evaluated the relative contribution of CD44- and Merlin-dependent processes to the development and progression of liver tumors. To this end, mice with a liver-specific deletion of the Nf2 gene were crossed with Cd44-knockout mice and subjected to extensive histological, biochemical and molecular analyses. In addition, cells were isolated from mutant livers and analyzed by in vitro assays. Deletion of Nf2 in the liver led to substantial liver enlargement and generation of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs), as well as mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinomas. Whilst deletion of Cd44 had no influence on liver size or primary liver tumor development, it significantly inhibited metastasis formation in Nf2-mutant mice. CD44 upregulates expression of integrin β2 and promotes transendothelial migration of liver cancer cells, which may facilitate metastatic spreading. Overall, our results suggest that CD44 may be a promising target for intervening with metastatic spreading of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Gerardo-Ramírez
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Giam
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Groth
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Helen L May-Simera
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus P Radsak
- Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23558 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Herrlich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Beate K Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Hartmann
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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7
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The multiomic landscape of meningiomas: a review and update. J Neurooncol 2023; 161:405-414. [PMID: 36840836 PMCID: PMC9988797 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04253-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Traditionally they have been understudied compared to other central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However over the last decade, there has been renewed interest in uncovering the molecular topography of these tumors, with landmark studies identifying key driver alterations contributing to meningioma development and progression. Recent work from several independent research groups have integrated different genomic and epigenomic platforms to develop a molecular-based classification scheme for meningiomas that could supersede histopathological grading in terms of diagnostic accuracy, biological relevance, and outcome prediction, keeping pace with contemporary grading schemes for other CNS tumors including gliomas and medulloblastomas. METHODS Here we summarize the studies that have uncovered key alterations in meningiomas which builds towards the discovery of consensus molecular groups in meningiomas by integrating these findings. These groups supersede WHO grade and other clinical factors in being able to accurately predict tumor biology and clinical outcomes following surgery. RESULTS Despite differences in the nomenclature of recently uncovered molecular groups across different studies, the biological similarities between these groups enables us to likely reconciliate these groups into four consensus molecular groups: two benign groups largely dichotomized by NF2-status, and two clinically aggressive groups defined by their hypermetabolic transcriptome, and by their preponderance of proliferative, cell-cycling pathways respectively. CONCLUSION Future work, including by our group and others are underway to validate these molecular groups and harmonize the nomenclature for routine clinical use.
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8
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Zhao F, Chen Y, Li SW, Zhang J, Zhang S, Zhao XB, Yang ZJ, Wang B, He QY, Wang LM, Xu L, Liu PN. Novel patient-derived xenograft and cell line models for therapeutic screening in NF2-associated schwannoma. J Pathol 2022; 257:620-634. [PMID: 35394061 DOI: 10.1002/path.5908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of schwannomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is extremely unsatisfactory, and innovative therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. However, the lack of clinically relevant NF2-associated schwannoma models has severely hampered drug discovery in this rare disease. Here, we report the first establishment and characterization of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and cell line models of NF2-associated schwannoma, which recapitulate the morphological and histopathological features of patient tumors, retain patient NF2 mutations, and maintain gene expression profiles resembling patient tumor profiles with the preservation of multiple key signaling pathways commonly dysregulated in human schwannomas. Using gene expression profiling, we identified elevated PI3K/AKT/mTOR networks in human NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas. Using high-throughput screening of 157 inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in vitro, we identified a dozen inhibitors (such as BEZ235, LY2090314, and AZD8055) with significant growth-suppressive effects. Interestingly, we observed that three cell lines displayed differential therapeutic responses to PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors. Furthermore, we demonstrated two orally bioavailable inhibitors AZD8055 and PQR309 suppressed NF2-associated schwannoma growth both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our novel patient-derived models of NF2-associated schwannoma closely mimic the phenotypes and genotypes of patient tumors, making them reliable preclinical tools for testing novel personalized therapies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Zhao
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Wei Li
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Yang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Yang He
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei-Ming Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Pi-Nan Liu
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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9
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The Genetics and Diagnosis of Pediatric Neurocutaneous Disorders: Neurofibromatosis and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Clin Dermatol 2022; 40:374-382. [PMID: 35248688 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis (NF) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are the two most common neurocutaneous disorders, both transmitted as autosomal dominant or, in the case of NF, also as a mosaic condition. The causative genetic mutations in these neurocutaneous disorders can lead to benign skin changes or uninhibited growth and proliferation in multiple organ systems due to the loss of tumor suppression in mitogen-activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Common clinical features in NF include pigmented lesions, known as café au lait patches, neurofibromas, intertriginous freckles (Crowe's sign), and benign fibrous growths, such as hamartomas in multiple organ systems. Common clinical features in TSC include hypopigmented macules, known as ash leaf spots, in addition to neurologic sequelae, such as autism, seizures, and developmental delays. Advances in genetic sequencing technologies have allowed an exponential expansion in the understanding of NF and TSC. Consensus criteria have been established for both diagnoses that can be confirmed in most cases through gene testing. Once diagnosed, the clinical and diagnostic value of disease-specific surveillance include early identification of benign and malignant tumors. Genetic counseling is important for informed reproductive decision-making for patients and at-risk family members. The improvement in understanding of pathways of pathogenic disease development and oncogenesis in both conditions have produced a new series of therapeutic options that can be used to control seizures and tumor growth. Tremendous advances in life expectancy and quality of life are now a reality due to early introduction of seizure control and novel medications. While we lack cures, early institution of interventions, such as seizure control in tuberous sclerosis, appears to be disease-modifying and holds immense promise to offer patients better lives.
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10
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Meng F, Yu Z, Zhang D, Chen S, Guan H, Zhou R, Wu Q, Zhang Q, Liu S, Venkat Ramani MK, Yang B, Ba XQ, Zhang J, Huang J, Bai X, Qin J, Feng XH, Ouyang S, Zhang YJ, Liang T, Xu P. Induced phase separation of mutant NF2 imprisons the cGAS-STING machinery to abrogate antitumor immunity. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4147-4164.e7. [PMID: 34453890 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Missense mutations of the tumor suppressor Neurofibromin 2 (NF2/Merlin/schwannomin) result in sporadic to frequent occurrences of tumorigenesis in multiple organs. However, the underlying pathogenicity of NF2-related tumorigenesis remains mostly unknown. Here we found that NF2 facilitated innate immunity by regulating YAP/TAZ-mediated TBK1 inhibition. Unexpectedly, patient-derived individual mutations in the FERM domain of NF2 (NF2m) converted NF2 into a potent suppressor of cGAS-STING signaling. Mechanistically, NF2m gained extreme associations with IRF3 and TBK1 and, upon innate nucleic acid sensing, was directly induced by the activated IRF3 to form cellular condensates, which contained the PP2A complex, to eliminate TBK1 activation. Accordingly, NF2m robustly suppressed STING-initiated antitumor immunity in cancer cell-autonomous and -nonautonomous murine models, and NF2m-IRF3 condensates were evident in human vestibular schwannomas. Our study reports phase separation-mediated quiescence of cGAS-STING signaling by a mutant tumor suppressor and reveals gain-of-function pathogenesis for NF2-related tumors by regulating antitumor immunity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HCT116 Cells
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/genetics
- Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Mutation, Missense
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neurofibromin 2/genetics
- Neurofibromin 2/metabolism
- Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics
- Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Escape
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Fansen Meng
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhengyang Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center (HIC-ZJU), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shasha Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hongxin Guan
- The Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology of Fujian Province, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Ruyuan Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qirou Wu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shengduo Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center (HIC-ZJU), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Venkat Ramani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Bing Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Qun Ba
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Jun Huang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jun Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Songying Ouyang
- The Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology of Fujian Province, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Yan Jessie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Pinglong Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center (HIC-ZJU), Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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11
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Roehrig AE, Klupsch K, Oses-Prieto JA, Chaib S, Henderson S, Emmett W, Young LC, Surinova S, Blees A, Pfeiffer A, Tijani M, Brunk F, Hartig N, Muñoz-Alegre M, Hergovich A, Jennings BH, Burlingame AL, Rodriguez-Viciana P. Cell-cell adhesion regulates Merlin/NF2 interaction with the PAF complex. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254697. [PMID: 34424918 PMCID: PMC8382200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The PAF complex (PAFC) coordinates transcription elongation and mRNA processing and its CDC73/parafibromin subunit functions as a tumour suppressor. The NF2/Merlin tumour suppressor functions both at the cell cortex and nucleus and is a key mediator of contact inhibition but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study we have used affinity proteomics to identify novel Merlin interacting proteins and show that Merlin forms a complex with multiple proteins involved in RNA processing including the PAFC and the CHD1 chromatin remodeller. Tumour-derived inactivating mutations in both Merlin and the CDC73 PAFC subunit mutually disrupt their interaction and growth suppression by Merlin requires CDC73. Merlin interacts with the PAFC in a cell density-dependent manner and we identify a role for FAT cadherins in regulating the Merlin-PAFC interaction. Our results suggest that in addition to its function within the Hippo pathway, Merlin is part of a tumour suppressor network regulated by cell-cell adhesion which coordinates post-initiation steps of the transcription cycle of genes mediating contact inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E. Roehrig
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Klupsch
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A. Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Selim Chaib
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Henderson
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Warren Emmett
- University College London Genetics Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy C. Young
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Surinova
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Blees
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anett Pfeiffer
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maha Tijani
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Brunk
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Hartig
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Alma L. Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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12
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Mohammed N, Hung YC, Xu Z, Chytka T, Liscak R, Tripathi M, Arsanious D, Cifarelli CP, Perez Caceres M, Mathieu D, Speckter H, Mehta GU, Lekovic GP, Sheehan JP. Neurofibromatosis type 2-associated meningiomas: an international multicenter study of outcomes after Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. J Neurosurg 2021; 136:109-114. [PMID: 34144518 DOI: 10.3171/2020.12.jns202814] [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: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The management of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated meningiomas is challenging. The role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in the treatment of these tumors remains to be fully defined. In this study, the authors aimed to examine the role of GKRS in the treatment of NF2-associated meningiomas and to evaluate the outcomes and complications after treatment. METHODS Seven international medical centers contributed data for this retrospective cohort. Tumor progression was defined as a ≥ 20% increase from the baseline value. The clinical features, treatment details, outcomes, and complications were studied. The median follow-up was 8.5 years (range 0.6-25.5 years) from the time of initial GKRS. Shared frailty Cox regression was used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 204 meningiomas in 39 patients treated with GKRS were analyzed. Cox regression analysis showed that increasing the maximum dose (p = 0.02; HR 12.2, 95% CI 1.287-116.7) and a lower number of meningiomas at presentation (p = 0.03; HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.821-0.990) were predictive of better tumor control in both univariable and multivariable settings. Age at onset, sex, margin dose, location, and presence of neurological deficit were not predictive of tumor progression. The cumulative 10-year progression-free survival was 94.8%. Radiation-induced adverse effects were noted in 4 patients (10%); these were transient and managed medically. No post-GKRS malignant transformation was noted in 287 person-years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS GKRS achieved effective tumor control with a low and generally acceptable rate of complications in NF2-associated meningiomas. There did not appear to be an appreciable risk of post-GKRS-induced malignancy in patients with NF2-treated meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Mohammed
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Yi-Chieh Hung
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tomas Chytka
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Liscak
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Manjul Tripathi
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - David Arsanious
- 4Department of Neurological Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | - Marco Perez Caceres
- 5Department of Neurological Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Mathieu
- 5Department of Neurological Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Herwin Speckter
- 6Department of Neurological Surgery, CEDIMAT Hospital, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and
| | - Gautam U Mehta
- 7Department of Neurological Surgery, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregory P Lekovic
- 7Department of Neurological Surgery, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jason P Sheehan
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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13
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Karajannis MA, Mauguen A, Maloku E, Xu Q, Dunbar EM, Plotkin SR, Yaffee A, Wang S, Roland JT, Sen C, Placantonakis DG, Golfinos JG, Allen JC, Vitanza NA, Chiriboga LA, Schneider RJ, Deng J, Neubert TA, Goldberg JD, Zagzag D, Giancotti FG, Blakeley JO. Phase 0 Clinical Trial of Everolimus in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma or Meningioma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1584-1591. [PMID: 34224367 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling has been shown to diminish growth of meningiomas and schwannomas in preclinical studies, and clinical data suggest that everolimus, an orally administered mTORC1 inhibitor, may slow tumor progression in a subset of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) with vestibular schwannoma. To assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential mechanisms of treatment resistance, we performed a presurgical (phase 0) clinical trial of everolimus in patients undergoing elective surgery for vestibular schwannoma or meningiomas. Eligible patients with meningioma or vestibular schwannoma requiring tumor resection enrolled on study received everolimus 10 mg daily for 10 days immediately prior to surgery. Everolimus blood levels were determined immediately before and after surgery. Tumor samples were collected intraoperatively. Ten patients completed protocol therapy. Median pre- and postoperative blood levels of everolimus were found to be in a high therapeutic range (17.4 ng/mL and 9.4 ng/mL, respectively). Median tumor tissue drug concentration determined by mass spectrometry was 24.3 pg/mg (range, 9.2-169.2). We observed only partial inhibition of phospho-S6 in the treated tumors, indicating incomplete target inhibition compared with control tissues from untreated patients (P = 0.025). Everolimus led to incomplete inhibition of mTORC1 and downstream signaling. These data may explain the limited antitumor effect of everolimus observed in clinical studies for patients with NF2 and will inform the design of future preclinical and clinical studies targeting mTORC1 in meningiomas and schwannomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias A Karajannis
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Service, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Audrey Mauguen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ekrem Maloku
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Qingwen Xu
- Department of Cancer Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Erin M Dunbar
- Neuro-Oncology, Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Yaffee
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Shiyang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - J Thomas Roland
- Department of Otolaryngology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.,Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Chandranath Sen
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | | | - John G Golfinos
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey C Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Jingjing Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Skirball Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Thomas A Neubert
- Department of Cell Biology and Skirball Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Judith D Goldberg
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - David Zagzag
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.,Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
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14
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Abstract
Meningiomas arising with inherited genetic syndromes occur nearly exclusively in the context of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 is an autosomal dominant familial neoplasia syndrome that results from a mutation in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene located on the long arm of chromosome 22. The NF2 gene encodes for the protein merlin (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like protein), which has tumor suppressive effects that are reduced/inactivated in NF2-associated tumors. NF2-associated neoplasms affect the nervous system (schwannomas, meningiomas, ependymomas, astrocytomas, and neurofibromas) and skin. Other NF2 findings include ophthalmological lesions and peripheral neuropathy. Meningiomas are the second most frequent NF2-associated tumors (occurring in approximately half of all NF2 patients). They are often multiple and have unpredictable growth patterns. NF2-associated meningiomas can cause significant morbidity and mortality due to their location and a mass effect. Because of the multiplicity, frequent development of new tumors, and their protean nature, defined treatment strategies with serial surveillance is critical for optimal management of NF2-associated meningiomas. While surgical resection is the primary treatment for NF2-associated meningiomas, radiation plays an important adjunctive role in the management of recurrent and inoperable meningiomas.
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15
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Szulzewsky F, Holland EC, Vasioukhin V. YAP1 and its fusion proteins in cancer initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance. Dev Biol 2021; 475:205-221. [PMID: 33428889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
YAP1 is a transcriptional co-activator whose activity is controlled by the Hippo signaling pathway. In addition to important functions in normal tissue homeostasis and regeneration, YAP1 has also prominent functions in cancer initiation, aggressiveness, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In this review we are discussing the molecular functions of YAP1 and its roles in cancer, with a focus on the different mechanisms of de-regulation of YAP1 activity in human cancers, including inactivation of upstream Hippo pathway tumor suppressors, regulation by intersecting pathways, miRNAs, and viral oncogenes. We are also discussing new findings on the function and biology of the recently identified family of YAP1 gene fusions, that constitute a new type of activating mutation of YAP1 and that are the likely oncogenic drivers in several subtypes of human cancers. Lastly, we also discuss different strategies of therapeutic inhibition of YAP1 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA; Seattle Tumor Translational Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Valeri Vasioukhin
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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16
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Long-term therapy with Bevacizumab in a young patient affected by NF2. Stop or continue treatment? An update of a case report and review of the literature. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 31:754-757. [PMID: 32697470 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by pathogenic variants in the NF2 gene. To date, cytotoxic chemotherapy has no established role in the treatment of NF-2. Historical case reports of malignant schwannomas have documented responses to chemotherapies with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and doxorubicin, in patients who develop pulmonary metastases. Recently, several studies proposed the use of anti-HER2, anti-EGFR, anti-platelet-derived growth factor receptors. As reported in our previous review of the literature, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-1 have been detected in schwannomas with the best results. We described the case of a young patient with NF2 treated for long time with Bevacizumab. Here, we report the update of the previous case report.
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17
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Ma J, Klemm J, Gerardo-Ramírez M, Frappart L, Castven D, Becker D, Zoch A, Parent R, Bartosch B, Minnich K, Giovannini M, Danckwardt S, Hartmann N, Morrison H, Herrlich P, Marquardt JU, Hartmann M. Cluster of differentiation 44 promotes osteosarcoma progression in mice lacking the tumor suppressor Merlin. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2564-2577. [PMID: 32525563 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Merlin is a versatile tumor suppressor protein encoded by the NF2 gene. Several lines of evidence suggest that Merlin exerts its tumor suppressor activity, at least in part, by forming an inhibitory complex with cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44). Consistently, numerous NF2 mutations in cancer patients are predicted to perturb the interaction of Merlin with CD44. We hypothesized that disruption of the Merlin-CD44 complex through loss of Merlin, unleashes putative tumor- or metastasis-promoting functions of CD44. To evaluate the relevance of the Merlin-CD44 interaction in vivo, we compared tumor growth and progression in Cd44-positive and Cd44-negative Nf2-mutant mice. Heterozygous Nf2-mutant mice were prone to developing highly metastatic osteosarcomas. Importantly, while the absence of the Cd44 gene had no effect on the frequency of primary osteosarcoma development, it strongly diminished osteosarcoma metastasis formation in the Nf2-mutant mice. In vitro assays identified transendothelial migration as the most prominent cellular phenotype dependent on CD44. Adhesion to endothelial cells was blocked by interfering with integrin α4β1 (very late antigen-4, VLA-4) on osteosarcoma cells and CD44 upregulated levels of integrin VLA-4 β1 subunit. Among other putative functions of CD44, which may contribute to the metastatic behavior, the passage through the endothelial cells also appears to be critical in vivo, as CD44 significantly promoted formation of lung metastasis upon intravenous injection of osteosarcoma cells into immunocompromised mice. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that CD44 plays a metastasis-promoting role in the absence of Merlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhi Ma
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Janina Klemm
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monserrat Gerardo-Ramírez
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lucien Frappart
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Darko Castven
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Romain Parent
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052 and CNRS UMR5286, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Birke Bartosch
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052 and CNRS UMR5286, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kerstin Minnich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Herrlich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Hartmann
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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18
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Wang Z, Zhou Z, Wang Z, Cui Y. NF2 Inhibits Proliferation and Cancer Stemness in Breast Cancer. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:302-308. [PMID: 32337368 PMCID: PMC7175639 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0042] [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: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that NF2 plays a key role in tumorigenesis. NF2 has been illustrated to be downregulated in several types of human cancer. However, the role of NF2 in breast cancer remains unclear. Methods We used UALCAN and KM-plotter database to study NF2 expression in human breast cancer and corresponding normal tissues and analyzed its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. We investigated the role of NF2 in breast cancer cells behavior by inhibiting its expression in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Results In this study, we found that NF2 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. We found that the low expression of NF2 was related with the tumor stage. NF2 overexpression inhibited the cell colon formation and stemness. Conclusion Our results indicate a role of NF2 in the progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The No.2 Hospital of Baoding, No. 338 Dongfeng West Road, Jingxiu District, BaoDing 071051, P.R.China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The No.2 Hospital of Baoding, No. 338 Dongfeng West Road, Jingxiu District, BaoDing 071051, P.R.China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Radiology, The No.2 Hospital of Baoding, No. 338 Dongfeng West Road, Jingxiu District, BaoDing 071051, P.R.China
| | - Yijie Cui
- Department of Radiology, The No.2 Hospital of Baoding, No. 338 Dongfeng West Road, Jingxiu District, BaoDing 071051, P.R.China
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19
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Gugel I, Ebner FH, Grimm F, Czemmel S, Paulsen F, Hagel C, Tatagiba M, Nahnsen S, Tabatabai G. Contribution of mTOR and PTEN to Radioresistance in Sporadic and NF2-Associated Vestibular Schwannomas: A Microarray and Pathway Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010177. [PMID: 31936793 PMCID: PMC7016954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of radiation treatment has increased for both sporadic and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated vestibular schwannoma (VS). However, there are a subset of radioresistant tumors and systemic treatments that are seldom used in these patients. We investigated molecular alterations after radiation in three NF2-associated and five sporadically operated recurrent VS after primary irradiation. We compared these findings with 49 non-irradiated (36 sporadic and 13 NF2-associated) VS through gene-expression profiling and pathway analysis. Furthermore, we stained the key molecules of the distinct pathway by immunohistochemistry. A total of 195 differentially expressed genes in sporadic and NF2-related comparisons showed significant differences based on the criteria of p value < 0.05 and a two-fold change. These genes were involved in pathways that are known to be altered upon irradiation (e.g., mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling). We observed a combined downregulation of PTEN signaling and an upregulation of mTOR signaling in progressive NF2-associated VS after irradiation. Immunostainings with mTOR and PTEN antibodies confirmed the respective molecular alterations. Taken together, mTOR inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy in NF2-associated VS progress after irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gugel
- Center for Neuro-Oncol., Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre of Neurofibromatosis and Rare Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncol., University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-2980325; Fax: +49-07071-295245
| | - Florian H. Ebner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Alfried Krupp Hospital, 45131 Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Grimm
- Center for Neuro-Oncol., Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncol., University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Czemmel
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Paulsen
- Center for Neuro-Oncol., Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncol., University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Hagel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcos Tatagiba
- Center for Neuro-Oncol., Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre of Neurofibromatosis and Rare Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncol., University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Nahnsen
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Center for Neuro-Oncol., Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncol., University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Lee S, Karas PJ, Hadley CC, Bayley V JC, Khan AB, Jalali A, Sweeney AD, Klisch TJ, Patel AJ. The Role of Merlin/NF2 Loss in Meningioma Biology. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111633. [PMID: 31652973 PMCID: PMC6893739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene were among the first genetic alterations implicated in meningioma tumorigenesis, based on analysis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients who not only develop vestibular schwannomas but later have a high incidence of meningiomas. The NF2 gene product, merlin, is a tumor suppressor that is thought to link the actin cytoskeleton with plasma membrane proteins and mediate contact-dependent inhibition of proliferation. However, the early recognition of the crucial role of NF2 mutations in the pathogenesis of the majority of meningiomas has not yet translated into useful clinical insights, due to the complexity of merlin’s many interacting partners and signaling pathways. Next-generation sequencing studies and increasingly sophisticated NF2-deletion-based in vitro and in vivo models have helped elucidate the consequences of merlin loss in meningioma pathogenesis. In this review, we seek to summarize recent findings and provide future directions toward potential therapeutics for this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Patrick J Karas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Caroline C Hadley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - James C Bayley V
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - A Basit Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ali Jalali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Alex D Sweeney
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Tiemo J Klisch
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Akash J Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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21
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Louvrier C, Pasmant E, Briand-Suleau A, Cohen J, Nitschké P, Nectoux J, Orhant L, Zordan C, Goizet C, Goutagny S, Lallemand D, Vidaud M, Vidaud D, Kalamarides M, Parfait B. Targeted next-generation sequencing for differential diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2, schwannomatosis, and meningiomatosis. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:917-929. [PMID: 29409008 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical overlap between neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), schwannomatosis, and meningiomatosis can make clinical diagnosis difficult. Hence, molecular investigation of germline and tumor tissues may improve the diagnosis. Methods We present the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of NF2, SMARCB1, LZTR1, SMARCE1, and SUFU tumor suppressor genes, using an amplicon-based approach. We analyzed blood DNA from a cohort of 196 patients, including patients with NF2 (N = 79), schwannomatosis (N = 40), meningiomatosis (N = 12), and no clearly established diagnosis (N = 65). Matched tumor DNA was analyzed when available. Forty-seven NF2-/SMARCB1-negative schwannomatosis patients and 27 NF2-negative meningiomatosis patients were also evaluated. Results A NF2 variant was found in 41/79 (52%) NF2 patients. SMARCB1 or LZTR1 variants were identified in 5/40 (12.5%) and 13/40 (∼32%) patients in the schwannomatosis cohort. Potentially pathogenic variants were found in 12/65 (18.5%) patients with no clearly established diagnosis. A LZTR1 variant was identified in 16/47 (34%) NF2/SMARCB1-negative schwannomatosis patients. A SMARCE1 variant was found in 3/39 (∼8%) meningiomatosis patients. No SUFU variant was found in the cohort. NGS was an effective and sensitive method to detect mutant alleles in blood or tumor DNA of mosaic NF2 patients. Interestingly, we identified a 4-hit mechanism resulting in the complete NF2 loss-of-function combined with SMARCB1 and LZTR1 haploinsufficiency in two-thirds of tumors from NF2 patients. Conclusions Simultaneous investigation of NF2, SMARCB1, LZTR1, and SMARCE1 is a key element in the differential diagnosis of NF2, schwannomatosis, and meningiomatosis. The targeted NGS strategy is suitable for the identification of NF2 mosaicism in blood and for the investigation of tumors from these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Louvrier
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Eric Pasmant
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Briand-Suleau
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Cohen
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nitschké
- Bioinformatic Platform, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Nectoux
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Orhant
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Zordan
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire MRGM, INSERM U1211, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphane Goutagny
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Dominique Lallemand
- Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Michel Vidaud
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Vidaud
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Michel Kalamarides
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Béatrice Parfait
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
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22
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The NF2 tumor suppressor merlin interacts with Ras and RasGAP, which may modulate Ras signaling. Oncogene 2019; 38:6370-6381. [PMID: 31312020 PMCID: PMC6756068 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2/merlin underlies neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and some sporadic tumors. Previous studies have established that merlin mediates contact inhibition of proliferation; however, the exact mechanisms remain obscure and multiple pathways have been implicated. We have previously reported that merlin inhibits Ras and Rac activity during contact inhibition, but how merlin regulates Ras activity has remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that merlin can directly interact with both Ras and p120RasGAP (also named RasGAP). While merlin does not increase the catalytic activity of RasGAP, the interactions with Ras and RasGAP may fine-tune Ras signaling. In vivo, loss of RasGAP in Schwann cells, unlike the loss of merlin, failed to promote tumorigenic growth in an orthotopic model. Therefore, modulation of Ras signaling through RasGAP likely contributes to, but is not sufficient to account for, merlin’s tumor suppressor activity. Our study provides new insight into the mechanisms of merlin-dependent Ras regulation and may have additional implications for merlin-dependent regulation of other small GTPases.
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23
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Waisberg V, Rodrigues LOC, Nehemy MB, Bastos-Rodrigues L, de Miranda DM. Ocular alterations, molecular findings, and three novel pathological mutations in a series of NF2 patients. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:1453-1458. [PMID: 31089872 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate ophthalmological and molecular findings in eight patients with a clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). New pathological mutations are described and variability in the ophthalmic phenotype and NF2 allelic heterogeneity are discussed. METHODS Eye examination was performed in eight NF2 patients, and it included the measurement of the visual acuity, biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, color fundus photography, infrared photography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Molecular analysis was performed with whole-exome sequencing using DNA derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from each individual. RESULTS Ophthalmological features were present in all patients, ranging from subtle retinal alterations identified only using SD-OCT to severe ocular damage present at birth. Six mutations were observed: two patients with stop codon mutation as shown on table 1 and result section, three patients with frameshift mutation as shown on table 1 and result section. Three novel mutations were found among them. CONCLUSIONS It is a descriptive study of a rare disease, with poor previous literature. Clinical and genetic data are shown, reviving the need to further studies to clarify the genotype-phenotype correlations in NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Waisberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Oswaldo Carneiro Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neurofibromatosis Reference Center, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcio Bittar Nehemy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Débora Marques de Miranda
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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24
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Pasmant E, Louvrier C, Luscan A, Cohen J, Laurendeau I, Vidaud M, Vidaud D, Goutagny S, Kalamarides M, Parfait B. Neurofibromatosis type 2 French cohort analysis using a comprehensive NF2 molecular diagnostic strategy. Neurochirurgie 2018; 64:335-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Kim HJ, Seo GH, Kim YM, Kim GH, Seo EJ, Ra YS, Choi JH, Yoo HW, Lee BH. Genetic and clinical characteristics of Korean patients with neurofibromatosis type 2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5734/jgm.2017.14.2.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-ji Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Go Hun Seo
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Myung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gu-Hwan Kim
- Medical Genetics Center, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eul-Ju Seo
- Medical Genetics Center, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Shin Ra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han-Wook Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Genetics Center, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Hee Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Genetics Center, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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26
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Ruggieri M, Praticò AD, Serra A, Maiolino L, Cocuzza S, Di Mauro P, Licciardello L, Milone P, Privitera G, Belfiore G, Di Pietro M, Di Raimondo F, Romano A, Chiarenza A, Muglia M, Polizzi A, Evans DG. Childhood neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and related disorders: from bench to bedside and biologically targeted therapies. ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA 2017; 36:345-367. [PMID: 27958595 PMCID: PMC5225790 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 [NF2; MIM # 101000] is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the occurrence of vestibular schwannomas (VSs), schwannomas of other cranial, spinal and cutaneous nerves, cranial and spinal meningiomas and/or other central nervous system (CNS) tumours (e.g., ependymomas, astrocytomas). Additional features include early onset cataracts, optic nerve sheath meningiomas, retinal hamartomas, dermal schwannomas (i.e., NF2-plaques), and (few) café-au-lait spots. Clinically, NF2 children fall into two main groups: (1) congenital NF2 - with bilateral VSs detected as early as the first days to months of life, which can be stable/asymptomatic for one-two decades and suddenly progress; and (2) severe pre-pubertal (Wishart type) NF2- with multiple (and rapidly progressive) CNS tumours other-than-VS, which usually present first, years before VSs [vs. the classical adult (Gardner type) NF2, with bilateral VSs presenting in young adulthood, sometimes as the only disease feature]. Some individuals can develop unilateral VS associated with ipsilateral meningiomas or multiple schwannomas localised to one part of the peripheral nervous system [i.e., mosaic NF2] or multiple non-VS, non-intradermal cranial, spinal and peripheral schwannomas (histologically proven) [schwannomatosis]. NF2 is caused by mutations in the NF2 gene at chromosome 22q12.1, which encodes for a protein called merlin or schwannomin, most similar to the exrin-readixin-moesin (ERM) proteins; mosaicNF2 is due to mosaic phenomena for the NF2 gene, whilst schwannomatosis is caused by coupled germ-line and mosaic mutations either in the SMARCB1 gene [SWNTS1; MIM # 162091] or the LZTR1 gene [SWNTS2; MIM # 615670] both falling within the 22q region and the NF2 gene. Data driven from in vitro and animal studies on the merlin pathway [e.g., post-translational and upstream/downstream regulation] allowed biologically targeted treatment strategies [e.g., Lapatinib, Erlotinib, Bevacizumab] aimed to multiple tumour shrinkage and/or regression and tumour arrest of progression with functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A D Praticò
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Serra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - L Maiolino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - S Cocuzza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - P Di Mauro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - L Licciardello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - P Milone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Radiology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Privitera
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Radiology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Belfiore
- Unit of Paediatric Radiology, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - M Di Pietro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. Ingrassia", Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - F Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Romano
- Division of Hematology, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Chiarenza
- Division of Hematology, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Muglia
- Unit of Genetics, Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Piano Lago di Mangone, Italy
| | - A Polizzi
- National Centre for Rare Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - D G Evans
- Genomic Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Human Development, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
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27
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Han XY, Wang W, Wang LL, Wang XR, Li G. Genetic variants and increased risk of meningioma: an updated meta-analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:1875-1888. [PMID: 28405167 PMCID: PMC5378443 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s130147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Various genetic variants have been reported to be linked to an increased risk of meningioma. However, no confirmed conclusion has been obtained. The purpose of the study was to investigate potential meningioma-associated gene polymorphisms, based on published evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS An updated meta-analysis was performed in September 2016. After electronic database searching and study screening, we selected eligible case-control studies and extracted data for meta-analysis, using Mantel-Haenszel statistics. P-values, pooled odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS We finally selected eight genes with ten polymorphisms: MLLT10 rs12770228, CASP8 rs1045485, XRCC1 rs1799782, rs25487, MTHFR rs1801133, rs1801131, MTRR rs1801394, MTR rs1805087, GSTM1 null/present, and GSTT1 null/present. Results of meta-analyses showed that there was increased meningioma risk in case groups under all models of MLLT10 rs12770228 (all OR >1, P<0.001), compared with control groups. Similar results were observed under the allele, homozygote, dominant, and recessive models of MTRR rs1801394 (all OR >1, P<0.05), and the heterozygote and dominant models of MTHFR rs1801131 in the Caucasian population (all OR >1, P<0.05). However, no significantly increased meningioma risks were observed for CASP8 rs1045485, XRCC1 rs25487, rs1799782, MTHFR rs1801133, MTR rs1805087, or GSTM1/GSTT1 null mutations. CONCLUSION Our updated meta-analysis provided statistical evidence for the role of MLLT10 rs12770228, MTRR rs1801394, and MTHFR rs1801131 in increased susceptibility to meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yong Han
- Department of Neurosurgery 3, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Anqiu People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery 3, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou
| | - Xi-Rui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery 3, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery 3, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder (incidence 1:33 000-40 000) characterized by formation of central nervous system tumors, due to mutation in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22q12. Vestibular schwannomas are the hallmark lesion, affecting 95% of individuals and typically occur bilaterally. Schwannomas commonly occur on other nerves intracranially and in the spinal compartment, along with meningiomas, ependymomas, and gliomas. Although histologically benign, tumors are associated with significant morbidity due to multiple problems including hearing and vision loss, gait abnormalities, paralysis, pain, and seizures. Risk of early mortality from brainstem compression and other complications is significant. Severity of disease is higher when NF2 presents during childhood. Children have a more variable presentation, which can be associated with significant delays in recognition of the condition. Careful examination of the skin and eyes can identify important clinical signs of NF2 during childhood, allowing timely initiation of disease-specific surveillance and treatment. Monitoring for complications comprises clinical evaluation, along with functional testing including audiology and serial neuroimaging, which together inform decisions regarding treatment. Evidence for disease-specific medical treatment options is increasing, nevertheless most patients will benefit from multimodal treatment including surgery during their lifetime. Patient enrolment in international natural history and treatment trials offers the best opportunity to accelerate our understanding of the complications and optimal treatment of NF2, with a view to improving outcomes for all affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ardern-Holmes
- 1 TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gemma Fisher
- 2 Sydney Children's Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn North
- 3 Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Merlin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking LRP6 phosphorylation. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:1638-47. [PMID: 27285107 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Merlin, encoded by the NF2 gene, is a tumor suppressor that acts by inhibiting mitogenic signaling and is mutated in Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) disease, although its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we observed that Merlin inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking phosphorylation of LRP6, which is necessary for Wnt signal transduction, whereas mutated Merlin in NF2 patients did not. Treatment with Wnt3a enhanced phosphorylation of Ser518 in Merlin via activation of PAK1 in a PIP2-dependent manner. Phosphorylated Merlin dissociated from LRP6, allowing for phosphorylation of LRP6. Tissues from NF2 patients exhibited higher levels of β-catenin, and proliferation of RT4-D6P2T rat schwannoma cells was significantly reduced by treatment with chemical inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Taken together, our findings suggest that sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling due to abrogation of Merlin-mediated inhibition of LRP6 phosphorylation may be a cause of NF2 disease.
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30
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Kato S, Lippman SM, Flaherty KT, Kurzrock R. The Conundrum of Genetic "Drivers" in Benign Conditions. J Natl Cancer Inst 2016; 108:djw036. [PMID: 27059373 PMCID: PMC5017937 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djw036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in deep genomic sequencing have identified a spectrum of cancer-specific passenger and driver aberrations. Clones with driver anomalies are believed to be positively selected during carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence, however, shows that genomic alterations, such as those in BRAF, RAS, EGFR, HER2, FGFR3, PIK3CA, TP53, CDKN2A, and NF1/2, all of which are considered hallmark drivers of specific cancers, can also be identified in benign and premalignant conditions, occasionally at frequencies higher than in their malignant counterparts. Targeting these genomic drivers can produce dramatic responses in advanced cancer, but the effects on their benign counterparts are less clear. This benign-malignant phenomenon is well illustrated in studies of BRAF V600E mutations, which are paradoxically more frequent in benign nevi (∼80%) than in dysplastic nevi (∼60%) or melanoma (∼40%-45%). Similarly, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is more commonly overexpressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (∼27%-56%) when compared with invasive breast cancer (∼11%-20%). FGFR3 mutations in bladder cancer also decrease with tumor grade (low-grade tumors, ∼61%; high-grade, ∼11%). “Driver” mutations also occur in nonmalignant settings: TP53 mutations in synovial tissue from rheumatoid arthritis and FGFR3 mutations in seborrheic keratosis. The latter observations suggest that the oncogenicity of these alterations may be tissue context–dependent. The conversion of benign conditions to premalignant disease may involve other genetic events and/or epigenetic reprogramming. Putative driver mutations can also be germline and associated with increased cancer risk (eg, germline RAS or TP53 alterations), but germline FGFR3 or NF2 abnormalities do not predispose to malignancy. We discuss the enigma of genetic “drivers” in benign and premalignant conditions and the implications for prevention strategies and theories of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Kato
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
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Li Y, Zhou H, Li F, Chan SW, Lin Z, Wei Z, Yang Z, Guo F, Lim CJ, Xing W, Shen Y, Hong W, Long J, Zhang M. Angiomotin binding-induced activation of Merlin/NF2 in the Hippo pathway. Cell Res 2015; 25:801-17. [PMID: 26045165 PMCID: PMC4493278 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2015.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor Merlin/NF2 functions upstream of the core Hippo pathway kinases Lats1/2 and Mst1/2, as well as the nuclear E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4(DCAF1). Numerous mutations of Merlin have been identified in Neurofibromatosis type 2 and other cancer patients. Despite more than two decades of research, the upstream regulator of Merlin in the Hippo pathway remains unknown. Here we show by high-resolution crystal structures that the Lats1/2-binding site on the Merlin FERM domain is physically blocked by Merlin's auto-inhibitory tail. Angiomotin binding releases the auto-inhibition and promotes Merlin's binding to Lats1/2. Phosphorylation of Ser518 outside the Merlin's auto-inhibitory tail does not obviously alter Merlin's conformation, but instead prevents angiomotin from binding and thus inhibits Hippo pathway kinase activation. Cancer-causing mutations clustered in the angiomotin-binding domain impair angiomotin-mediated Merlin activation. Our findings reveal that angiomotin and Merlin respectively interface cortical actin filaments and core kinases in Hippo signaling, and allow construction of a complete Hippo signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Li
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China [2] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fengzhi Li
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China [2] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Siew Wee Chan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Zhijie Lin
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- 1] Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong, China [2] Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fusheng Guo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Chun Jye Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Wancai Xing
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China [2] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuequan Shen
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China [2] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Jiafu Long
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China [2] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- 1] Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong, China [2] Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, School of Science and Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Stepanova DS, Chernoff J, Shimanovskiy NL. Search for Chemical Compounds for Pharmacotherapy of Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Pharm Chem J 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-015-1194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Schroeder RD, Angelo LS, Kurzrock R. NF2/merlin in hereditary neurofibromatosis 2 versus cancer: biologic mechanisms and clinical associations. Oncotarget 2014; 5:67-77. [PMID: 24393766 PMCID: PMC3960189 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivating germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene NF2 cause the hereditary syndrome neurofibromatosis 2, which is characterized by the development of neoplasms of the nervous system, most notably bilateral vestibular schwannoma. Somatic NF2 mutations have also been reported in a variety of cancers, but interestingly these mutations do not cause the same tumors that are common in hereditary neurofibromatosis 2, even though the same gene is involved and there is overlap in the site of mutations. This review highlights cancers in which somatic NF2 mutations have been found, the cell signaling pathways involving NF2/merlin, current clinical trials treating neurofibromatosis 2 patients, and preclinical findings that promise to lead to new targeted therapies for both cancers harboring NF2 mutations and neurofibromatosis 2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dunbar Schroeder
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Shapiro IM, Kolev VN, Vidal CM, Kadariya Y, Ring JE, Wright Q, Weaver DT, Menges C, Padval M, McClatchey AI, Xu Q, Testa JR, Pachter JA. Merlin deficiency predicts FAK inhibitor sensitivity: a synthetic lethal relationship. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:237ra68. [PMID: 24848258 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal of targeted therapy is to match a selective drug with a genetic lesion that predicts for drug sensitivity. In a diverse panel of cancer cell lines, we found that the cells most sensitive to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition lack expression of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene product, Merlin. Merlin expression is often lost in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an asbestos-induced aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Our data demonstrate that low Merlin expression predicts for increased sensitivity of MPM cells to a FAK inhibitor, VS-4718, in vitro and in tumor xenograft models. Disruption of MPM cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts with blocking antibodies suggests that weak cell-cell adhesions in Merlin-negative MPM cells underlie their greater dependence on cell-ECM-induced FAK signaling. This provides one explanation of why Merlin-negative cells are vulnerable to FAK inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, we validated aldehyde dehydrogenase as a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in MPM, a cell population thought to mediate tumor relapse after chemotherapy. Whereas pemetrexed and cisplatin, standard-of-care agents for MPM, enrich for CSCs, FAK inhibitor treatment preferentially eliminates these cells. These preclinical results provide the rationale for a clinical trial in MPM patients using a FAK inhibitor as a single agent after first-line chemotherapy. With this design, the FAK inhibitor could potentially induce a more durable clinical response through reduction of CSCs along with a strong antitumor effect. Furthermore, our data suggest that patients with Merlin-negative tumors may especially benefit from FAK inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Craig Menges
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | | | - Andrea I McClatchey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Qunli Xu
- Verastem Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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Mori T, Gotoh S, Shirakawa M, Hakoshima T. Structural basis of DDB1-and-Cullin 4-associated Factor 1 (DCAF1) recognition by merlin/NF2 and its implication in tumorigenesis by CD44-mediated inhibition of merlin suppression of DCAF1 function. Genes Cells 2014; 19:603-19. [PMID: 24912773 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Merlin, a tumor suppressor encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, has been shown to suppress tumorigenesis by inhibiting the Cullin 4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4(DCAF) (1) in the nucleus. This inhibition is mediated by direct binding of merlin to DDB1-and-Cullin 4-associated Factor 1 (DCAF1), yet the binding mode of merlin to DCAF1 is not well defined. Here, we report structural and biophysical studies of the merlin binding to DCAF1 and its interference with CD44 binding. The crystal structure of the merlin FERM domain bound to the DCAF1 C-terminal acidic tail reveals that the hydrophobic IILXLN motif located at the C-terminal end of DCAF1 binds subdomain C of the FERM domain by forming a β-strand. The binding site and mode resemble that of merlin binding to the CD44 cytoplasmic tail. Competition binding assay showed that CD44 and DCAF1 compete for binding to the merlin FERM domain in solution. The CD44 cytoplasmic tail is known to be cleaved for nuclear translocation by regulated intra-membrane proteolysis (RIP). Our structure implies that, in the nucleus, the CD44 cytoplasmic tail cleaved by RIP could release DCAF1 from merlin by competing for binding to the merlin FERM domain, which results in the inhibition of merlin-mediated suppression of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Mori
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
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Molecular insights into NF2/Merlin tumor suppressor function. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:2743-52. [PMID: 24726726 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The FERM domain protein Merlin, encoded by the NF2 tumor suppressor gene, regulates cell proliferation in response to adhesive signaling. The growth inhibitory function of Merlin is induced by intercellular adhesion and inactivated by joint integrin/receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Merlin contributes to the formation of cell junctions in polarized tissues, activates anti-mitogenic signaling at tight-junctions, and inhibits oncogenic gene expression. Thus, inactivation of Merlin causes uncontrolled mitogenic signaling and tumorigenesis. Merlin's predominant tumor suppressive functions are attributable to its control of oncogenic gene expression through regulation of Hippo signaling. Notably, Merlin translocates to the nucleus where it directly inhibits the CRL4(DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase, thereby suppressing inhibition of the Lats kinases. A dichotomy in NF2 function has emerged whereby Merlin acts at the cell cortex to organize cell junctions and propagate anti-mitogenic signaling, whereas it inhibits oncogenic gene expression through the inhibition of CRL4(DCAF1) and activation of Hippo signaling. The biochemical events underlying Merlin's normal function and tumor suppressive activity will be discussed in this Review, with emphasis on recent discoveries that have greatly influenced our understanding of Merlin biology.
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Zemmoura I, Vourc'h P, Paubel A, Parfait B, Cohen J, Bilan F, Kitzis A, Rousselot C, Parker F, François P, Andres CR. A deletion causing NF2 exon 9 skipping is associated with familial autosomal dominant intramedullary ependymoma. Neuro Oncol 2013; 16:250-5. [PMID: 24357459 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/not165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramedullary ependymomas are rare and benign tumors in the adult. Little is known about their physiopathology, but the implication of the NF2 gene is suspected because of their presence in a third of patients with type 2 neurofibromatosis (NF2), a disorder caused by mutation of the NF2 gene. METHODS We conducted a clinical and genetic study of a family in which 5 of 9 members suffered from intramedullary ependymoma. Karyotyping and CGH array analysis were performed on DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes from affected participants. The NF2 gene sequences were then determined in DNA from 3 nonaffected and all 5 affected members of the family. RESULTS Karyotype and CGH array findings were normal. Sequencing of NF2 revealed a heterozygous deletion, c.811-39_841del69bp, at the intron 8/exon 9 junction, in all affected members that was absent from all nonaffected members. RT-PCR analysis and sequencing revealed a novel NF2 transcript characterized by a skipping of exon 9 (75 bp). This deletion is predicted to result in a 25-amino acid deletion in the N-terminal FERM domain of neurofibromin 2. Modeling of this mutant domain suggests possible disorganization of the subdomain C. CONCLUSION We report the first family with an NF2 mutation associated with intramedullary ependymomas without other features of NF2 syndrome. This mutation, which has not been described previously, may particularly affect the function of neurofibromin 2 in ependymocytes leading to the development of intramedullary WHO grade II ependymomas. We propose that sporadic intramedullary ependymomas should also be analyzed for this region of NF2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyess Zemmoura
- Corresponding author: Ilyess Zemmoura, MD, Service de Neurochirurgie, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 boulevard Tonnellé, 37004, Tours Cedex, France.
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Tabernero M, Jara-Acevedo M, Nieto AB, Caballero AR, Otero A, Sousa P, Gonçalves J, Domingues PH, Orfao A. Association between mutation of the NF2 gene and monosomy 22 in menopausal women with sporadic meningiomas. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 14:114. [PMID: 24171707 PMCID: PMC3818970 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-14-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningioma was the first solid tumor shown to contain a recurrent genetic alteration e.g. monosomy 22/del(22q), NF2 being the most relevant gene involved. Although monosomy 22/del(22q) is present in half of all meningiomas, and meningiomas frequently carry NF2 mutations, no study has been reported so far in which both alterations are simultaneously assessed and correlated with the features of the disease. METHODS Here, we analyzed the frequency of both copy number changes involving chromosome 22 and NF2 mutations in 20 sporadic meningiomas using high-density SNP-arrays, interphase-FISH and PCR techniques. RESULTS Our results show a significant frequency of NF2 mutations (6/20 patients, 30%), most of which (5/6) had not been previously reported in sporadic meningiomas. NF2 mutations involved five different exons and led to a truncated protein (p.Leu163CysfsX46, p.Phe62LeufsX61, p.Asp281MetfsX15, p.Phe285LeufsX11, p.Gln389ArgfsX37) and an in frame deletion of Phe119. Interestingly, all NF2 mutated cases were menopausal women with monosomy 22 but not del(22q). CONCLUSIONS These results confirm and extend on previous observations about the high frequency and heterogeneity of NF2 mutations in sporadic meningiomas and indicate they could be restricted to a well-defined cytogenetic and clinical subgroup of menopausal women. Further studies in large series of patients are required to confirm our observations.
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Spatial organization of Hippo signaling at the plasma membrane mediated by the tumor suppressor Merlin/NF2. Cell 2013; 154:1342-55. [PMID: 24012335 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although Merlin/NF2 was discovered two decades ago as a tumor suppressor underlying Neurofibromatosis type II, its precise molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Recent studies in Drosophila revealed a potential link between Merlin and the Hippo pathway by placing Merlin genetically upstream of the kinase Hpo/Mst. In contrast to the commonly depicted linear model of Merlin functioning through Hpo/Mst, here we show that in both Drosophila and mammals, Merlin promotes downstream Hippo signaling without activating the intrinsic kinase activity of Hpo/Mst. Instead, Merlin directly binds and recruits the effector kinase Wts/Lats to the plasma membrane. Membrane recruitment, in turn, promotes Wts phosphorylation by the Hpo-Sav kinase complex. We further show that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton promotes Merlin-Wts interactions, which implicates Merlin in actin-mediated regulation of Hippo signaling. Our findings elucidate an important molecular function of Merlin and highlight the plasma membrane as a critical subcellular compartment for Hippo signal transduction.
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Abstract
Merlin, the protein product of NF2 gene, is one of the most versatile tumor suppressors capable of integrating different mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation, motility, survival and signaling pathways underlying and governing those mechanisms. Merlin is considered a member of the band 4.1 families of cytoskeleton-associated proteins also called ERM family and acts as tumor suppressor. The main cause for transformation of Schwann cells into schwannomas is credited to the inactivation of the neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene and the consecutive loss of its protein merlin. Recent scientific advances improved our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms involving NF2 gene. The present review brings genetic properties of NF2 gene, molecular characteristics of merlin, summarizes mutational spectra and explains merlin's multifunctional roles regarding its involvement in neurofibromatosis associated tumorigenesis.
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Pećina-Slaus N, Zeljko M, Pećina HI, Nikuseva Martić T, Bacić N, Tomas D, Hrasćan R. Frequency of loss of heterozygosity of the NF2 gene in schwannomas from Croatian patients. Croat Med J 2013; 53:321-7. [PMID: 22911524 PMCID: PMC3428820 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2012.53.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To identify gross deletions in the NF2 gene in a panel of schwannomas from Croatian patients in order to establish their frequencies in Croatian population. Methods Changes of the NF2 gene were tested by polymerase chain reaction/loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using two microsatellite markers, D22S444 and D22S929. Results The analysis with both markers demonstrated that 43.75% of schwannomas exhibited LOH of the NF2 gene. The D22S444 region exhibited 45.5% of LOHs and the D22S929 region exhibited 14.3% of LOHs. Four LOHs were found in Antoni B, 2 in Antoni A, and 1 in Antoni A and B type tumors. Conclusion The frequency of changes observed in Croatian patients is broadly similar to that reported in other populations and thus confirms the existing hypothesis regarding the tumorigenesis of schwannomas and contributes to schwannoma genetic profile helping us to better understand its etiology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Pećina-Slaus
- Laboratory of Neurooncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Salata 12, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Laulajainen M, Melikova M, Muranen T, Carpén O, Grönholm M. Distinct overlapping sequences at the carboxy-terminus of merlin regulate its tumour suppressor and morphogenic activity. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 16:2161-75. [PMID: 22325036 PMCID: PMC3822986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01525.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene product merlin is a tumour suppressor, which in addition to inhibiting cell proliferation regulates cell morphology. The morphogenic properties of merlin may play a role in tumour suppression, as patient-derived tumour cells demonstrate cytoskeletal abnormalities. However, it is still unclear how these functions are linked. The N-terminal FERM-domain of merlin is highly homologous to the oncogenic protein ezrin, while the C-termini are less conserved, suggesting that the opposite effect of the proteins on proliferation could be mediated by their distinct C-terminal regions. In this study we characterize the role of the most C-terminal residues of merlin in the regulation of proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, phosphorylation and intramolecular associations. In addition to the two full-length merlin isoforms and truncating mutations found in patients, we focused on the evolutionally conserved C-terminal residues 545-547, also harbouring disease-causing mutations. We demonstrate that merlin induces cell extensions, which result from impaired retraction of protrusions rather than from increased formation of filopodia. The residues 538-568 were found particularly important for this morphogenic activity. The results further show that both merlin isoforms are able to equally inhibit proliferation, whereas C-terminal mutants affecting residues 545-547 are less effective in growth suppression. This study demonstrates that the C-terminus contains distinct but overlapping functional domains important for regulation of the morphogenic activity, intramolecular associations and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minja Laulajainen
- Biomedicum Helsinki, Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Castellanos E, Rosas I, Solanes A, Bielsa I, Lázaro C, Carrato C, Hostalot C, Prades P, Roca-Ribas F, Blanco I, Serra E. In vitro antisense therapeutics for a deep intronic mutation causing Neurofibromatosis type 2. Eur J Hum Genet 2012. [PMID: 23188051 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2012.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal-dominant disorder affecting about 1:33 000 newborns, mainly characterized by the development of tumors of the nervous system and ocular abnormalities. Around 85% of germline NF2 mutations are point mutations. Among them, ∼25% affect splicing and are associated with a variable disease severity. In the context of our NF2 Multidisciplinary Clinics, we have identified a patient fulfilling clinical criteria for the disease and exhibiting a severe phenotype. The patient carries a deep intronic mutation (g. 74409T>A, NG_009057.1) that produces the insertion of a cryptic exon of 167pb in the mature mRNA between exons 13 and 14, resulting in a truncated merlin protein (p.Pro482Profs*39). A mutation-specific antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer was designed and used in vitro to effectively restore normal NF2 splicing in patient-derived primary fibroblasts. In addition, merlin protein levels were greatly recovered after morpholino treatment, decreasing patient's fibroblasts in vitro proliferation capacity and restoring cytoeskeleton organization. To our knowledge, this is the first NF2 case caused by a deep intronic mutation in which an in vitro antisense therapeutic approximation has been tested. These results open the possibility of using this approach in vivo for this type of mutation causing NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Castellanos
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Institute of Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Badalona, Spain
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Edwards RL, Griffiths P, Bunch J, Cooper HJ. Top-down proteomics and direct surface sampling of neonatal dried blood spots: diagnosis of unknown hemoglobin variants. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2012; 23:1921-30. [PMID: 22993042 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-012-0477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that liquid microjunction surface sampling of dried blood spots coupled with high resolution top-down mass spectrometry may be used for screening of common hemoglobin variants HbS, HbC, and HbD. In order to test the robustness of the approach, we have applied the approach to unknown hemoglobin variants. Six neonatal dried blood spot samples that had been identified as variants, but which could not be diagnosed by current screening methods, were analyzed by direct surface sampling top-down mass spectrometry. Both collision-induced dissociation and electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry were employed. Four of the samples were identified as β-chain variants: two were heterozygous Hb D-Iran, one was heterozygous Hb Headington, and one was heterozygous Hb J-Baltimore. The fifth sample was identified as the α-chain variant heterozygous Hb Phnom Penh. Analysis of the sixth sample suggested that it did not in fact contain a variant. Adoption of the approach in the clinic would require speed in both data collection and interpretation. To address that issue, we have compared manual data analysis with freely available data analysis software (ProsightPTM). The results demonstrate the power of top-down proteomics for hemoglobin variant analysis in newborn samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Edwards
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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Neff BA, Voss SG, Schmitt WR, Driscoll CLW, Link MJ, Beatty CW, Kita H. Inhibition of MEK pathway in vestibular schwannoma cell culture. Laryngoscope 2012; 122:2269-78. [PMID: 22886786 DOI: 10.1002/lary.23472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Ras GTPase (Ras) to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in vestibular schwannoma (VS) cell cultures and patient excised schwannoma tumors. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor CI-1040 (PD184352) was utilized to evaluate the effect of specific MEK inhibition on benign schwannoma cell culture proliferation and apoptosis. STUDY DESIGN Prospective evaluation of human schwannoma cell lines and tumors. METHODS Western blotting was completed with phospho-antibodies for proteins in the Ras-ERK pathway. Increasing concentrations of CI-1040 were utilized in schwannoma cell cultures to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Proliferation was measured with the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide proliferation assay, and apoptosis was monitored with flow cytometry of annexin V/propidium iodide-stained cells. RESULTS The most consistent Ras-ERK pathway alterations were found in phospho-MEK and ERK. Phospho-MEK was not overexpressed in the schwannoma cell lines, but six out of 10 VS showed significant increases compared to benign Schwann cell controls. Similarly, nine of 10 VS tumors showed increased phospho-ERK expression. CI-1040 showed significantly reduced schwannoma cell proliferation at the 50 and 100 μM (IC(50) 20 μM and 30 μM) concentrations when compared to carrier only controls in two out three schwannoma cell lines. The remaining schwannoma cell line was relatively refractory to the antiproliferative effects of CI-1040 at doses up to 100 μM (IC(50) 58 μM). Cumulative data of four separate schwannoma cell lines demonstrated that apoptosis was increased in treated schwannoma cells at CI-1040 concentrations of 50 and 100 μM at 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS There is overexpression of phosphorylated (activated) proteins in the Ras-ERK pathway in schwannoma cultures and tumors as compared to benign human Schwann cell culture controls. MEK inhibitor, CI-1040, created significantly decreased schwannoma cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in cell culture. These data justify the use of MEK inhibitors in animal treatment studies of VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Neff
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Manetti ME, Geden S, Bott M, Sparrow N, Lambert S, Fernandez-Valle C. Stability of the tumor suppressor merlin depends on its ability to bind paxillin LD3 and associate with β1 integrin and actin at the plasma membrane. Biol Open 2012; 1:949-57. [PMID: 23213372 PMCID: PMC3507182 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20122121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The NF2 gene encodes a tumor suppressor protein known as merlin or schwannomin whose loss of function causes Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). NF2 is characterized by the development of benign tumors, predominantly schwannomas, in the peripheral nervous system. Merlin links plasma membrane receptors with the actin cytoskeleton and its targeting to the plasma membrane depends on direct binding to the paxillin scaffold protein. Exon 2 of NF2, an exon mutated in NF2 patients and deleted in a mouse model of NF2, encodes the merlin paxillin binding domain (PBD1). Here, we sought to determine the role of PBD1 in regulation of merlin stability and association with plasma membrane receptors and the actin cytoskeleton in Schwann cells. Using a fluorescence-based pulse-chase technique, we measured the half-life of Halo-tagged merlin variants carrying PBD1, exon 2, and exons 2 and 3 deletions in transiently transfected Schwann cells. We found that PBD1 alone was necessary and sufficient to increase merlin's half-life from approximately three to eleven hours. Merlin lacking PBD1 did not form a complex with surface β1 integrins or associate with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, direct binding studies using purified merlin and paxillin domains revealed that merlin directly binds paxillin LD3 (leucine-aspartate 3) domain as well as the LD4 and LD5 domains. Together these results demonstrate that a direct interaction between merlin PBD1 and the paxillin LD3-5 domains targets merlin to the plasma membrane where it is stabilized by its association with surface β1 integrins and cortical actin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Manetti
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Health Science Campus , 6900 Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827 , USA
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Santarius T, Dakoji S, Afshari FT, Raymond FL, Firth HV, Fernandes HM, Garnett MR. Isolated hypoglossal schwannoma in a 9-year-old child. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2012; 10:130-3. [PMID: 22725844 DOI: 10.3171/2012.3.peds11555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The authors report a case of an isolated schwannoma of left hypoglossal nerve in a 9-year-old girl. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of hypoglossal nerve schwannoma in the pediatric population in the absence of neurofibromatosis Type 2. The patient presented with a 2-month history of morning nausea and vomiting with occasional daytime headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent CT scanning revealed a dumbbell tumor with a belly in the lower third of the posterior fossa and head underneath the left jugular foramen. Its neck protruded through an expanded hypoglossal canal. Although the lesion bore radiological characteristics of a hypoglossal schwannoma, the absence of hypoglossal palsy and the apparent lack of such tumors in the pediatric population the preoperative diagnosis was not certain. The tumor was approached via a midline suboccipital craniotomy, and gross-total resection was achieved. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Blood and tumor tests for mutations in the NF2 gene were negative. Postoperative mild hypoglossal palsy recovered by the 3-month follow-up, and an MRI study obtained at 1 year did not show recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Santarius
- Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Li W, Cooper J, Karajannis MA, Giancotti FG. Merlin: a tumour suppressor with functions at the cell cortex and in the nucleus. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:204-15. [PMID: 22482125 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of proliferation by cell-to-cell contact is essential for tissue organization, and its disruption contributes to tumorigenesis. The FERM domain protein Merlin, encoded by the NF2 tumour suppressor gene, is an important mediator of contact inhibition. Merlin was thought to inhibit mitogenic signalling and activate the Hippo pathway by interacting with diverse target-effectors at or near the plasma membrane. However, recent studies highlight that Merlin pleiotropically affects signalling by migrating into the nucleus and inducing a growth-suppressive programme of gene expression through its direct inhibition of the CRL4DCAF1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. In addition, Merlin promotes the establishment of epithelial adhesion and polarity by recruiting Par3 and aPKC to E-cadherin-dependent junctions, and by ensuring the assembly of tight junctions. These recent advances suggest that Merlin acts at the cell cortex and in the nucleus in a similar, albeit antithetic, manner to the oncogene β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Cell Biology Program, Sloan–Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 216, New York, New York 10065, USA
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