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Corbacioglu S, Lode H, Ellinger S, Zeman F, Suttorp M, Escherich G, Bochennek K, Gruhn B, Lang P, Rohde M, Debatin KM, Steinbach D, Beilken A, Ladenstein R, Spachtholz R, Heiss P, Hellwig D, Tröger A, Koller M, Menhart K, Riemenschneider MJ, Zoubaa S, Kietz S, Jakob M, Sommer G, Heise T, Hundsdörfer P, Kühnle I, Dilloo D, Schönberger S, Schwabe G, von Luettichau I, Graf N, Schlegel PG, Frühwald M, Jorch N, Paulussen M, Schneider DT, Metzler M, Leipold A, Nathrath M, Imschweiler T, Christiansen H, Schmid I, Crazzolara R, Niktoreh N, Cario G, Faber J, Demmert M, Babor F, Fröhlich B, Bielack S, Bernig T, Greil J, Eggert A, Simon T, Foell J. Irinotecan and temozolomide in combination with dasatinib and rapamycin versus irinotecan and temozolomide for patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma (RIST-rNB-2011): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2024; 25:922-932. [PMID: 38936379 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(24)00202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children. Relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma is associated with a poor outcome. We assessed the combination of irinotecan-temozolomide and dasatinib-rapamycin (RIST) in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. METHODS The multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2, RIST-rNB-2011 trial recruited from 40 paediatric oncology centres in Germany and Austria. Patients aged 1-25 years with high-risk relapsed (defined as recurrence of all stage IV and MYCN amplification stages, after response to treatment) or refractory (progressive disease during primary treatment) neuroblastoma, with Lansky and Karnofsky performance status at least 50%, were assigned (1:1) to RIST (RIST group) or irinotecan-temozolomide (control group) by block randomisation, stratified by MYCN status. We compared RIST (oral rapamycin [loading 3 mg/m2 on day 1, maintenance 1 mg/m2 on days 2-4] and oral dasatinib [2 mg/kg per day] for 4 days with 3 days off, followed by intravenous irinotecan [50 mg/m2 per day] and oral temozolomide [150 mg/m2 per day] for 5 days with 2 days off; one course each of rapamycin-dasatinib and irinotecan-temozolomide for four cycles over 8 weeks, then two courses of rapamycin-dasatinib followed by one course of irinotecan-temozolomide for 12 weeks) with irinotecan-temozolomide alone (with identical dosing as experimental group). The primary endpoint of progression-free survival was analysed in all eligible patients who received at least one course of therapy. The safety population consisted of all patients who received at least one course of therapy and had at least one post-baseline safety assessment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01467986, and is closed to accrual. FINDINGS Between Aug 26, 2013, and Sept 21, 2020, 129 patients were randomly assigned to the RIST group (n=63) or control group (n=66). Median age was 5·4 years (IQR 3·7-8·1). 124 patients (78 [63%] male and 46 [37%] female) were included in the efficacy analysis. At a median follow-up of 72 months (IQR 31-88), the median progression-free survival was 11 months (95% CI 7-17) in the RIST group and 5 months (2-8) in the control group (hazard ratio 0·62, one-sided 90% CI 0·81; p=0·019). Median progression-free survival in patients with amplified MYCN (n=48) was 6 months (95% CI 4-24) in the RIST group versus 2 months (2-5) in the control group (HR 0·45 [95% CI 0·24-0·84], p=0·012); median progression-free survival in patients without amplified MYCN (n=76) was 14 months (95% CI 9-7) in the RIST group versus 8 months (4-15) in the control group (HR 0·84 [95% CI 0·51-1·38], p=0·49). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events were neutropenia (54 [81%] of 67 patients given RIST vs 49 [82%] of 60 patients given control), thrombocytopenia (45 [67%] vs 41 [68%]), and anaemia (39 [58%] vs 38 [63%]). Nine serious treatment-related adverse events were reported (five patients given control and four patients given RIST). There were no treatment-related deaths in the control group and one in the RIST group (multiorgan failure). INTERPRETATION RIST-rNB-2011 demonstrated that targeting of MYCN-amplified relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma with a pathway-directed metronomic combination of a multkinase inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor can improve progression-free survival and overall survival. This exclusive efficacy in MYCN-amplified, relapsed neuroblastoma warrants further investigation in the first-line setting. FUNDING Deutsche Krebshilfe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Corbacioglu
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation,University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Holger Lode
- University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Florian Zeman
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Meinolf Suttorp
- Medical Faculty, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Bernd Gruhn
- University Medical Center Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marius Rohde
- University Medical Center Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Ladenstein
- St Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, University Medical Center, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Heiss
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Hellwig
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Tröger
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Koller
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Karin Menhart
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Saida Zoubaa
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Silke Kietz
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Jakob
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild Sommer
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Heise
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Ingrid Kühnle
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Norbert Jorch
- University Medical Center Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Irene Schmid
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Joerg Faber
- University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Florian Babor
- University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Johann Greil
- University Medical Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Juergen Foell
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Bartolucci D, Montemurro L, Raieli S, Lampis S, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. MYCN Impact on High-Risk Neuroblastoma: From Diagnosis and Prognosis to Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184421. [PMID: 36139583 PMCID: PMC9496712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma is one of the most diffuse and the deadliest cancer in children. While many advances have been made in the last few decades to improve patients’ outcome, high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) still shows a very aggressive pattern of development and poor prognosis, with only a 50% chance of 5-year survival. Moreover, while many factors contribute to defining the high-risk condition, MYCN status is well established as the major element in pathology disclosure. The aim of this review is to describe the current knowledge in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approaches of HR-NB, particularly in relation to MYCN. The review highlights how MYCN influences the HR-NB scenario and the new therapeutic approaches that are currently proposed to target it, in consideration of MYCN as a highly relevant target for HR-NB patient management. Abstract Among childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is the most diffuse solid tumor and the deadliest in children. While to date, the pathology has become progressively manageable with a significant increase in 5-year survival for its less aggressive form, high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) remains a major issue with poor outcome and little survivability of patients. The staging system has also been improved to better fit patient needs and to administer therapies in a more focused manner in consideration of pathology features. New and improved therapies have been developed; nevertheless, low efficacy and high toxicity remain a staple feature of current high-risk neuroblastoma treatment. For this reason, more specific procedures are required, and new therapeutic targets are also needed for a precise medicine approach. In this scenario, MYCN is certainly one of the most interesting targets. Indeed, MYCN is one of the most relevant hallmarks of HR-NB, and many studies has been carried out in recent years to discover potent and specific inhibitors to block its activities and any related oncogenic function. N-Myc protein has been considered an undruggable target for a long time. Thus, many new indirect and direct approaches have been discovered and preclinically evaluated for the interaction with MYCN and its pathways; a few of the most promising approaches are nearing clinical application for the investigation in HR-NB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Lampis S, Raieli S, Montemurro L, Bartolucci D, Amadesi C, Bortolotti S, Angelucci S, Scardovi AL, Nieddu G, Cerisoli L, Paganelli F, Valente S, Fischer M, Martelli AM, Pasquinelli G, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. The MYCN inhibitor BGA002 restores the retinoic acid response leading to differentiation or apoptosis by the mTOR block in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:160. [PMID: 35490242 PMCID: PMC9055702 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02367-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a deadly childhood cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma (MNA-NB) patients have the worst prognoses and are therapy-resistant. While retinoic acid (RA) is beneficial for some neuroblastoma patients, the cause of RA resistance is unknown. Thus, there remains a need for new therapies to treat neuroblastoma. Here we explored the possibility of combining a MYCN-specific antigene oligonucleotide BGA002 and RA as therapeutic approach to restore sensitivity to RA in NB. METHODS By molecular and cellular biology techniques, we assessed the combined effect of the two compounds in NB cell lines and in a xenograft mouse model MNA-NB. RESULTS We found that MYCN-specific inhibition by BGA002 in combination with RA (BGA002-RA) act synergistically and overcame resistance in NB cell lines. BGA002-RA also reactivated neuron differentiation (or led to apoptosis) and inhibited invasiveness capacity in MNA-NB. Moreover, we found that neuroblastoma had the highest level of mRNA expression of mTOR pathway genes, and that BGA002 led to mTOR pathway inhibition followed by autophagy reactivation in MNA-NB cells, which was strengthened by BGA002-RA. BGA002-RA in vivo treatment also eliminated tumor vascularization in a MNA-NB mouse model and significantly increased survival. CONCLUSION Taken together, MYCN modulation mediates the therapeutic efficacy of RA and the development of RA resistance in MNA-NB. Furthermore, by targeting MYCN, a cancer-specific mTOR pathway inhibition occurs only in MNA-NB, thus avoiding the side effects of targeting mTOR in normal cells. These findings warrant clinical testing of BGA002-RA as a strategy for overcoming RA resistance in MNA-NB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Unit, S. Orsola IRCCS, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Valente
- Biotechnology and Methods in Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany; and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Biotechnology and Methods in Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Subcellular nephro-vascular diagnostic program, Pathology Unit S. Orsola IRCCS, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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EIF4EBP1 is transcriptionally upregulated by MYCN and associates with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:157. [PMID: 35379801 PMCID: PMC8980029 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for 15% of cancer-related deaths in childhood despite considerable therapeutic improvements. While several risk factors, including MYCN amplification and alterations in RAS and p53 pathway genes, have been defined in NB, the clinical outcome is very variable and difficult to predict. Since genes of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway are upregulated in MYCN-amplified NB, we aimed to define the predictive value of the mTOR substrate-encoding gene eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1) expression in NB patients. Using publicly available data sets, we found that EIF4EBP1 mRNA expression is positively correlated with MYCN expression and elevated in stage 4 and high-risk NB patients. In addition, high EIF4EBP1 mRNA expression is associated with reduced overall and event-free survival in the entire group of NB patients in three cohorts, as well as in stage 4 and high-risk patients. This was confirmed by monitoring the clinical value of 4EBP1 protein expression, which revealed that high levels of 4EBP1 are significantly associated with prognostically unfavorable NB histology. Finally, functional analyses revealed that EIF4EBP1 expression is transcriptionally controlled by MYCN binding to the EIF4EBP1 promoter in NB cells. Our data highlight that EIF4EBP1 is a direct transcriptional target of MYCN whose high expression is associated with poor prognosis in NB patients. Therefore, EIF4EBP1 may serve to better stratify patients with NB.
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N-Myc-induced metabolic rewiring creates novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7157. [PMID: 32346009 PMCID: PMC7188804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Myc is a transcription factor that is aberrantly expressed in many tumor types and is often correlated with poor patient prognosis. Recently, several lines of evidence pointed to the fact that oncogenic activation of Myc family proteins is concomitant with reprogramming of tumor cells to cope with an enhanced need for metabolites during cell growth. These adaptions are driven by the ability of Myc proteins to act as transcriptional amplifiers in a tissue-of-origin specific manner. Here, we describe the effects of N-Myc overexpression on metabolic reprogramming in neuroblastoma cells. Ectopic expression of N-Myc induced a glycolytic switch that was concomitant with enhanced sensitivity towards 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis. Moreover, global metabolic profiling revealed extensive alterations in the cellular metabolome resulting from overexpression of N-Myc. Limited supply with either of the two main carbon sources, glucose or glutamine, resulted in distinct shifts in steady-state metabolite levels and significant changes in glutathione metabolism. Interestingly, interference with glutamine-glutamate conversion preferentially blocked proliferation of N-Myc overexpressing cells, when glutamine levels were reduced. Thus, our study uncovered N-Myc induction and nutrient levels as important metabolic master switches in neuroblastoma cells and identified critical nodes that restrict tumor cell proliferation.
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Yang X, Kui L, Tang M, Li D, Wei K, Chen W, Miao J, Dong Y. High-Throughput Transcriptome Profiling in Drug and Biomarker Discovery. Front Genet 2020; 11:19. [PMID: 32117438 PMCID: PMC7013098 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is multidisciplinary and systematic work. High-throughput techniques based on “-omics” have driven the discovery of biomarkers in diseases and therapeutic targets of drugs. A transcriptome is the complete set of all RNAs transcribed by certain tissues or cells at a specific stage of development or physiological condition. Transcriptome research can demonstrate gene functions and structures from the whole level and reveal the molecular mechanism of specific biological processes in diseases. Currently, gene expression microarray and high-throughput RNA-sequencing have been widely used in biological, medical, clinical, and drug research. The former has been applied in drug screening and biomarker detection of drugs due to its high throughput, fast detection speed, simple analysis, and relatively low price. With the further development of detection technology and the improvement of analytical methods, the detection flux of RNA-seq is much higher but the price is lower, hence it has powerful advantages in detecting biomarkers and drug discovery. Compared with the traditional RNA-seq, scRNA-seq has higher accuracy and efficiency, especially the single-cell level of gene expression pattern analysis can provide more information for drug and biomarker discovery. Therefore, (sc)RNA-seq has broader application prospects, especially in the field of drug discovery. In this overview, we will review the application of these technologies in drug, especially in natural drug and biomarker discovery and development. Emerging applications of scRNA-seq and the third generation RNA-sequencing tools are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Kui
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Min Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dawei Li
- College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kunhua Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianhua Miao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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Chava S, Reynolds CP, Pathania AS, Gorantla S, Poluektova LY, Coulter DW, Gupta SC, Pandey MK, Challagundla KB. miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-16-5p inhibit tumor progression by directly targeting MYCN in neuroblastoma. Mol Oncol 2019; 14:180-196. [PMID: 31637848 PMCID: PMC6944109 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children. Despite current aggressive treatment regimens, the prognosis for high-risk NB patients remains poor, with the survival of less than 40%. Amplification/stabilization of MYCN oncogene, in NB is associated with a high risk of recurrence. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutics. The deregulated expression of microRNA (miR) is reported in NB; nonetheless, its effect on MYCN regulation is poorly understood. First, we identified that miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-16-5p (hereafter miR-15a, miR-15b or miR-16) were down-regulated in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) with high MYCN expression. MiR targeting sequences on MYCN mRNA were predicted using online databases such as TargetScan and miR database. The R2 database, containing 105 NB patients, showed an inverse correlation between MYCN mRNA and deleted in lymphocytic leukemia (DLEU) 2, a host gene of miR-15. Moreover, overexpression of miR-15a, miR-15b or miR-16 significantly reduced the levels of MYCN mRNA and N-Myc protein. Conversely, inhibiting miR dramatically enhanced MYCN mRNA and N-Myc protein levels, as well as increasing mRNA half-life in NB cells. By performing immunoprecipitation assays of argonaute-2 (Ago2), a core component of the RNA-induced silencing complex, we showed that miR-15a, miR-15b and miR-16 interact with MYCN mRNA. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-15a, miR-15b and miR-16 bind with 3'UTR of MYCN mRNA, resulting in MYCN suppression. Moreover, induced expression of miR-15a, miR-15b and miR-16 significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NB cells. Finally, transplanting miR-15a-, miR-15b- and miR-16-expressing NB cells into NSG mice repressed tumor formation and MYCN expression. These data suggest that miR-15a, miR-15b and miR-16 exert a tumor-suppressive function in NB by targeting MYCN. Therefore, these miRs could be considered as potential targets for NB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - C Patrick Reynolds
- Childhood Cancer Repository, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Santhi Gorantla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Shang P, Chen G, Zu G, Song X, Jiao P, You G, Zhao J, Li H, Zhou H. Long noncoding RNA expression analysis reveals the regulatory effects of nitinol-based nanotubular coatings on human coronary artery endothelial cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:3297-3309. [PMID: 31190794 PMCID: PMC6519025 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s204067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality all over the world. Vascular stents are used to ameliorate vascular stenosis and recover vascular function. The application of nanotubular coatings has been confirmed to promote endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and function. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved in cellular responses to the nanotubular topography have not been defined. In the present study, a microarray analysis was performed to explore the expression patterns of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) that were differentially expressed in response to nitinol-based nanotubular coatings. Materials and methods: First, anodization was performed to synthesize nitinol-based nanotubular coatings. Then, HCAECs were cultured on the samples for 24 h to evaluate cell cytoskeleton organization. Next, total RNA was extracted and synthesized into cRNA, which was hybridized onto the microarray. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to investigate the roles of differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the expression of randomly selected lncRNAs. Coexpression networks were created to identify the interactions among lncRNAs and the protein-coding genes involved in nanotubular topography-induced biological and molecular pathways. Independent Student’s t-test was applied for comparisons between two groups with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: 1085 lncRNAs and 227 mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in the nitinol-based nanotubular coating group. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that extracellular matrix receptor interactions and cell adhesion molecules play critical roles in the sensing of nitinol-based nanotubular coatings by HCAECs. The TATA-binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated transfactor 1 (TAF1) are important molecules in EC responses to substrate topography. Conclusion: This study suggests that nanotubular substrate topography regulates ECs by differentially expressed lncRNAs involved extracellular matrix receptor interactions and cell adhesion molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Shang
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Gan Chen
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Guannan Zu
- Photoelectrochemical Research Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Song
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Jiao
- Photoelectrochemical Research Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxing You
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxiang Zhao
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyi Li
- Photoelectrochemical Research Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
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LSINCT5 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with NCYM to promote bladder cancer progression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 502:299-306. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Yang C, Tan J, Zhu J, Wang S, Wei G. YAP promotes tumorigenesis and cisplatin resistance in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:37154-37163. [PMID: 28415761 PMCID: PMC5514898 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) is essential for Hippo pathway-driven tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, the expression and function of YAP in neuroblastoma remains elusive. Here, we show that YAP was highly expressed in Neuroblastoma (NB) and expression levels correlated with advanced tumor staging. Knockdown of YAP significantly impaired neuroblastoma proliferation, tumorigenesis, and invasion in vitro. Injection of the YAP inhibitor, Peptide 17, dramatically prevented neuroblastoma subcutaneous tumor growth by efficiently downregulating YAP expression in tumors. Additionally, less proliferative and more apoptotic cells were found in the Peptide 17 treatment group. Furthermore, YAP inhibition significantly inhibited cisplatin-resistant neuroblastoma proliferation, tumorigenesis, and invasion in vitro. The combination of Peptide 17 with low-dose cisplatin efficiently impaired cisplatin-resistant NB subcutaneous tumor growth, being as effective as high-dose cisplatin. Notably, the combination therapy caused lesser liver toxicity in mice compared to the high-dose cisplatin treatment group. Collectively, this work identifies YAP as a novel regulator of neuroblastoma proliferation, tumorigenesis, and invasion and indicates that YAP is a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Tan
- Clinical Department of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Lijia Campus, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China.,Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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11
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Schulten HJ, Bangash M, Karim S, Dallol A, Hussein D, Merdad A, Al-Thoubaity FK, Al-Maghrabi J, Jamal A, Al-Ghamdi F, Choudhry H, Baeesa SS, Chaudhary AG, Al-Qahtani MH. Comprehensive molecular biomarker identification in breast cancer brain metastases. J Transl Med 2017; 15:269. [PMID: 29287594 PMCID: PMC5747948 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) develop in about 20–30% of breast cancer (BC) patients. BCBM are associated with dismal prognosis not at least due to lack of valuable molecular therapeutic targets. The aim of the study was to identify new molecular biomarkers and targets in BCBM by using complementary state-of-the-art techniques. Methods We compared array expression profiles of three BCBM with 16 non-brain metastatic BC and 16 primary brain tumors (prBT) using a false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.05 and fold change (FC) > 2. Biofunctional analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed probe sets. High-density arrays were employed to detect copy number variations (CNVs) and whole exome sequencing (WES) with paired-end reads of 150 bp was utilized to detect gene mutations in the three BCBM. Results The top 370 probe sets that were differentially expressed between BCBM and both BC and prBT were in the majority comparably overexpressed in BCBM and included, e.g. the coding genes BCL3, BNIP3, BNIP3P1, BRIP1, CASP14, CDC25A, DMBT1, IDH2, E2F1, MYCN, RAD51, RAD54L, and VDR. A number of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) were comparably overexpressed in BCBM and included SNORA1, SNORA2A, SNORA9, SNORA10, SNORA22, SNORA24, SNORA30, SNORA37, SNORA38, SNORA52, SNORA71A, SNORA71B, SNORA71C, SNORD13P2, SNORD15A, SNORD34, SNORD35A, SNORD41, SNORD53, and SCARNA22. The top canonical pathway was entitled, role of BRCA1 in DNA damage response. Network analysis revealed key nodes as Akt, ERK1/2, NFkB, and Ras in a predicted activation stage. Downregulated genes in a data set that was shared between BCBM and prBT comprised, e.g. BC cell line invasion markers JUN, MMP3, TFF1, and HAS2. Important cancer genes affected by CNVs included TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, ERBB2, IDH1, and IDH2. WES detected numerous mutations, some of which affecting BC associated genes as CDH1, HEPACAM, and LOXHD1. Conclusions Using complementary molecular genetic techniques, this study identified shared and unshared molecular events in three highly aberrant BCBM emphasizing the challenge to detect new molecular biomarkers and targets with translational implications. Among new findings with the capacity to gain clinical relevance is the detection of overexpressed snoRNAs known to regulate some critical cellular functions as ribosome biogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-017-1370-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Juergen Schulten
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Bangash
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajjad Karim
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Dallol
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deema Hussein
- King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Merdad
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma K Al-Thoubaity
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaudah Al-Maghrabi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awatif Jamal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh S Baeesa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeel G Chaudhary
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Al-Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Estiar MA, Javan F, Zekri A, Mehrazin M, Mehdipour P. Prognostic significance of MYCN gene amplification and protein expression in primary brain tumors: Astrocytoma and meningioma. Cancer Biomark 2017; 19:341-351. [PMID: 28453467 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytoma and meningioma are the most common primary brain tumors. MYCN as a member of MYC proto-oncogenes has recently appeared as an attractive therapeutic target. Functions of MYCN are critical for growth of nervous system and neural differentiation. OBJECTIVE We examined MYCN amplification and protein expression in astrocytoma and meningioma cases. METHODS In this study, we used real-time PCR, FISH assay and flowcytometry to analyze DNA amplification and protein expression of MYCN. RESULTS Among 30 samples of brain tumor, 14 cases (46.6%) revealed MYCN amplification. High-protein expression of MYCN was also observed in 43.3% of patients. There was a significant correlation between MYCN gene amplification and protein expression (r= 0.523; p= 0.003), interestingly five case showed discrepancy between the gene amplification and protein expression. Although MYCN amplification fails to show correlation with poor prognosis (p= 0.305), protein high-expression of MYCN significantly reduce disease-free survival (p= 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Our results challenge the concept of the neural specificity of MYCN by demonstrating contribution of MYCN in meningioma. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of research at both level of DNA and protein, to determine the biological functions and medical impacts of MYCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Asghari Estiar
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firouzeh Javan
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zekri
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mehrazin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Mehdipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Abstract
UNLABELLED The RNA binding protein Lin28B is expressed in developing tissues and sustains stem and progenitor cell identity as a negative regulator of the Let-7 family of microRNAs, which induces differentiation. Lin28B is activated in neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood tumor in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. Forced expression of Lin28B in embryonic mouse sympathoadrenal neuroblasts elicits postnatal NB formation. However, the normal function of Lin28B in the development of sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells and the mechanisms involved in Lin28B-induced tumor formation are unclear. Here, we demonstrate a mirror-image expression of Lin28B and Let-7a in developing chick sympathetic ganglia. Lin28B expression is not restricted to undifferentiated progenitor cells but, is observed in proliferating noradrenergic neuroblasts. Lin28 knockdown in cultured sympathetic neuroblasts decreases proliferation, whereas Let-7 inhibition increases the proportion of neuroblasts in the cell cycle. Lin28B overexpression enhances proliferation, but only during a short developmental period, and it does not reduce Let-7a. Effects of in vivo Lin28B overexpression were analyzed in the LSL-Lin28B(DBHiCre) mouse line. Sympathetic ganglion and adrenal medulla volume and the expression level of Let-7a were not altered, although Lin28B expression increased by 12- to 17-fold. In contrast, Let-7a expression was strongly reduced in LSL-Lin28B(DbhiCre) NB tumor tissue. These data demonstrate essential functions for endogenous Lin28 and Let-7 in neuroblast proliferation. However, Lin28B overexpression neither sustains neuroblast proliferation nor affects let-7 expression. Thus, in contrast to other pediatric tumors, Lin28B-induced NB is not due to expansion of proliferating embryonic neuroblasts, and Let-7-independent functions are implicated during initial NB development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lin28A/B proteins are highly expressed in early development and maintain progenitor cells by blocking the biogenesis and differentiation function of Let-7 microRNAs. Lin28B is aberrantly upregulated in the childhood tumor neuroblastoma (NB). NB develops in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla and is elicited by forced Lin28B expression. We demonstrate that Lin28A/B and Let-7 are essential for sympathetic neuroblast proliferation during normal development. Unexpectedly, Lin28B upregulation in a mouse model does not affect neuroblast proliferation, ganglion size, and Let-7 expression during early postnatal development. Lin28B-induced NB, in contrast to other pediatric cancers, does not evolve from neuroblasts that continue to divide and involves Let-7-independent functions during initial development.
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14
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Ganesan P, Ali SM, Wang K, Blumenschein GR, Esmaeli B, Wolff RA, Miller VA, Stephens PJ, Ross JS, Palmer GA, Janku F. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor P753S Mutation in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Responsive to Cetuximab-Based Therapy. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:e34-7. [PMID: 24934779 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.50.3516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Wang
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Bita Esmaeli
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Robert A Wolff
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - Filip Janku
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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15
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Herter EK, Stauch M, Gallant M, Wolf E, Raabe T, Gallant P. snoRNAs are a novel class of biologically relevant Myc targets. BMC Biol 2015; 13:25. [PMID: 25888729 PMCID: PMC4430873 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-015-0132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myc proteins are essential regulators of animal growth during normal development, and their deregulation is one of the main driving factors of human malignancies. They function as transcription factors that (in vertebrates) control many growth- and proliferation-associated genes, and in some contexts contribute to global gene regulation. RESULTS We combine chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIPseq) and RNAseq approaches in Drosophila tissue culture cells to identify a core set of less than 500 Myc target genes, whose salient function resides in the control of ribosome biogenesis. Among these genes we find the non-coding snoRNA genes as a large novel class of Myc targets. All assayed snoRNAs are affected by Myc, and many of them are subject to direct transcriptional activation by Myc, both in Drosophila and in vertebrates. The loss of snoRNAs impairs growth during normal development, whereas their overexpression increases tumor mass in a model for neuronal tumors. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that Myc acts as a master regulator of snoRNP biogenesis. In addition, in combination with recent observations of snoRNA involvement in human cancer, it raises the possibility that Myc's transforming effects are partially mediated by this class of non-coding transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Herter
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Maria Stauch
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Maria Gallant
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Elmar Wolf
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Raabe
- Institute for Medical Radiation and Cell Research, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Gallant
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
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16
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a developmental tumor of young children arising from the embryonic sympathoadrenal lineage of the neural crest. Neuroblastoma is the primary cause of death from pediatric cancer for children between the ages of one and five years and accounts for ∼13% of all pediatric cancer mortality. Its clinical impact and unique biology have made this aggressive malignancy the focus of a large concerted translational research effort. New insights into tumor biology are driving the development of new classification schemas. Novel targeted therapeutic approaches include small-molecule inhibitors as well as epigenetic, noncoding-RNA, and cell-based immunologic therapies. In this review, recent insights regarding the pathogenesis and biology of neuroblastoma are placed in context with the current understanding of tumor biology and tumor/host interactions. Systematic classification of patients coupled with therapeutic advances point to a future of improved clinical outcomes for this biologically distinct and highly aggressive pediatric malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystal U Louis
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; ,
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17
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Suenaga Y, Islam SMR, Alagu J, Kaneko Y, Kato M, Tanaka Y, Kawana H, Hossain S, Matsumoto D, Yamamoto M, Shoji W, Itami M, Shibata T, Nakamura Y, Ohira M, Haraguchi S, Takatori A, Nakagawara A. NCYM, a Cis-antisense gene of MYCN, encodes a de novo evolved protein that inhibits GSK3β resulting in the stabilization of MYCN in human neuroblastomas. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1003996. [PMID: 24391509 PMCID: PMC3879166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rearrangement of pre-existing genes has long been thought of as the major mode of new gene generation. Recently, de novo gene birth from non-genic DNA was found to be an alternative mechanism to generate novel protein-coding genes. However, its functional role in human disease remains largely unknown. Here we show that NCYM, a cis-antisense gene of the MYCN oncogene, initially thought to be a large non-coding RNA, encodes a de novo evolved protein regulating the pathogenesis of human cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The NCYM gene is evolutionally conserved only in the taxonomic group containing humans and chimpanzees. In primary human neuroblastomas, NCYM is 100% co-amplified and co-expressed with MYCN, and NCYM mRNA expression is associated with poor clinical outcome. MYCN directly transactivates both NCYM and MYCN mRNA, whereas NCYM stabilizes MYCN protein by inhibiting the activity of GSK3β, a kinase that promotes MYCN degradation. In contrast to MYCN transgenic mice, neuroblastomas in MYCN/NCYM double transgenic mice were frequently accompanied by distant metastases, behavior reminiscent of human neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification. The NCYM protein also interacts with GSK3β, thereby stabilizing the MYCN protein in the tumors of the MYCN/NCYM double transgenic mice. Thus, these results suggest that GSK3β inhibition by NCYM stabilizes the MYCN protein both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the survival of MYCN transgenic mice bearing neuroblastoma was improved by treatment with NVP-BEZ235, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor shown to destabilize MYCN via GSK3β activation. In contrast, tumors caused in MYCN/NCYM double transgenic mice showed chemo-resistance to the drug. Collectively, our results show that NCYM is the first de novo evolved protein known to act as an oncopromoting factor in human cancer, and suggest that de novo evolved proteins may functionally characterize human disease. The MYCN oncogene has a central role in the genesis and progression of neuroblastomas, and its amplification is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. We have found that NCYM, a MYCN cis-antisense RNA, is translated in humans to a de novo evolved protein. NCYM inhibits GSK3β to stabilize MYCN, whereas MYCN induces NCYM transcription. The positive feedback regulation formed in the MYCN/NCYM-amplified tumors promotes the aggressive nature of human neuroblastoma. MYCN transgenic mice, which express human MYCN in sympathoadrenal tissues, spontaneously develop neuroblastomas. However, unlike human neuroblastoma, distant metastasis is infrequent. We established MYCN/NCYM double transgenic mice as a new animal model for studying neuroblastoma pathogenesis. We found that NCYM expression promoted both the metastasis and chemo-resistance of the neuroblastomas formed in the double transgenic mice. These results demonstrate that NCYM may be a potential target for developing novel therapeutic tools against high-risk neuroblastomas in humans, and that the MYCN/NCYM double transgenic mouse may be a suitable model for the screening of these new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Suenaga
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - S. M. Rafiqul Islam
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jennifer Alagu
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kaneko
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mamoru Kato
- Division of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukichi Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Research Institute, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, 2-138-4 Mutsukawa, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidetada Kawana
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Chiba Cancer Center, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shamim Hossain
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsumoto
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mami Yamamoto
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wataru Shoji
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makiko Itami
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Chiba Cancer Center, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Division of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohko Nakamura
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Miki Ohira
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Seiki Haraguchi
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takatori
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akira Nakagawara
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
- * E-mail:
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18
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Carotenuto M, Pedone E, Diana D, de Antonellis P, Džeroski S, Marino N, Navas L, Di Dato V, Scoppettuolo MN, Cimmino F, Correale S, Pirone L, Monti SM, Bruder E, Zenko B, Slavkov I, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M, Schulte JH, Schramm A, Eggert A, Westermann F, Arrigoni G, Accordi B, Basso G, Saviano M, Fattorusso R, Zollo M. Neuroblastoma tumorigenesis is regulated through the Nm23-H1/h-Prune C-terminal interaction. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1351. [PMID: 23448979 PMCID: PMC3584926 DOI: 10.1038/srep01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nm23-H1 is one of the most interesting candidate genes for a relevant role in Neuroblastoma pathogenesis. H-Prune is the most characterized Nm23-H1 binding partner, and its overexpression has been shown in different human cancers. Our study focuses on the role of the Nm23-H1/h-Prune protein complex in Neuroblastoma. Using NMR spectroscopy, we performed a conformational analysis of the h-Prune C-terminal to identify the amino acids involved in the interaction with Nm23-H1. We developed a competitive permeable peptide (CPP) to impair the formation of the Nm23-H1/h-Prune complex and demonstrated that CPP causes impairment of cell motility, substantial impairment of tumor growth and metastases formation. Meta-analysis performed on three Neuroblastoma cohorts showed Nm23-H1 as the gene highly associated to Neuroblastoma aggressiveness. We also identified two other proteins (PTPRA and TRIM22) with expression levels significantly affected by CPP. These data suggest a new avenue for potential clinical application of CPP in Neuroblastoma treatment.
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19
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Harmelink C, Peng Y, DeBenedittis P, Chen H, Shou W, Jiao K. Myocardial Mycn is essential for mouse ventricular wall morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2013; 373:53-63. [PMID: 23063798 PMCID: PMC3508168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
MYCN is a highly conserved transcription factor with multifaceted roles in development and disease. Mutations in MYCN are associated with Feingold syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized in part by congenital heart defects. Mouse models have helped elucidate MYCN functions; however its cardiac-specific roles during development remain unclear. We employed a Cre/loxp strategy to uncover the specific activities of MYCN in the developing mouse myocardium. Myocardial deletion of Mycn resulted in a thin-myocardial wall defect with dramatically reduced trabeculation. The mutant heart defects strongly resemble the phenotype caused by disruption of BMP10 and Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) signaling pathways, two central mediators of myocardial wall development. Our further examination showed that expression of MYCN is regulated by both BMP and NRG1 signaling. The thin-wall defect in mutant hearts is caused by a reduction in both cell proliferation and cell size. MYCN promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation through regulating expression of cell cycle regulators (including CCND1, CCND2, and ID2) and promotes cardiomyocyte growth through regulating expression of p70S6K. In addition, expression of multiple sarcomere proteins is altered in Mycn myocardial-inactivation embryos, indicating its essential role for proper cardiomyocyte differentiation. In summary, Mycn acts downstream of BMP and NRG1 cardiogenic signaling pathways to promote normal myocardial wall morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Harmelink
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Yin Peng
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Paige DeBenedittis
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Hanying Chen
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Weinian Shou
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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