1
|
Epigenetic insights in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection in CRC, an updated review. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10013-10022. [PMID: 35727475 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07569-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations can lead to the development of colorectal cancer. In the last decade much research has been done to discover how methylation as an epigenetic alteration leads to carcinogenesis. While Methylation is a biological process, it can influence gene expression by affecting the promoter activity. This article reviews the role of methylation in critical pathways in CRC. METHODS In this study using appropriate keywords, all research and review articles related to the role of methylation on different cancers were collected and analyzed. Also, existing information on methylation detection methods and therapeutic sensitivity or resistance due to DNA methylation were reviewed. RESULTS The results of this survey revealed that while Methylation is a biological process, it can influence gene expression by affecting the promoter activity. Promoter methylation is associated with up or downregulation of genes involved in critical pathways, including cell cycle, DNA repair, and cell adherence. Hence promoter methylation can be used as a molecular tool for early diagnosis, improving treatment, and predicting treatment resistance. CONCLUSION Current knowledge on potential methylation biomarkers for diagnosis and prognoses of CRC has also been discussed. Our survey proposes that a multi-biomarker panel is more efficient than a single biomarker in the early diagnosis of CRC.
Collapse
|
2
|
González-Borja I, Alors-Pérez E, Amat I, Alonso L, Viyuela-García C, Goñi S, Reyes JC, Ceballos-Chávez M, Hernández-García I, Sánchez-Frías ME, Santamaría E, Razquin S, Arjona-Sánchez Á, Arrazubi V, Pérez-Sanz J, Vera R, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Castaño JP, Viúdez A. Deciphering CHFR Role in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:720128. [PMID: 34869418 PMCID: PMC8639583 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.720128] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint with forkhead-associated and ring finger domains (CHFR) has been proposed as a predictive and prognosis biomarker for different tumor types, but its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was two-pronged: to review the role of CHFR in PDAC and evaluating CHFR as a potential predictive biomarker in this disease. For this purpose, we first explored the CHFR messenger (m)RNA expression and promoter methylation through the TCGA database. Secondly, the CHFR expression and promoter methylation were prospectively evaluated in a cohort of patients diagnosed with borderline (n = 19) or resectable (n = 16) PDAC by immunohistochemistry (IHC), methylation specific-PCR (MSP), and pyrosequencing. The results from the TCGA database showed significant differences in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) based on the CHFR mRNA expression, which was likely independent from the promoter methylation. Importantly, our results showed that in primarily resected patients and also the entire cohort, a higher CHFR expression as indicated by the higher IHC staining intensity might identify patients with longer disease-free survival (DFS) and OS, respectively. Similarly, in the same cohorts, patients with lower methylation levels by pyrosequencing showed significantly longer OS than patients without this pattern. Both, the CHFR expression intensity and its promoter methylation were established as independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in the entire cohort. In contrast, no significant differences were found between different methylation patterns for CHFR and the response to taxane-based neoadjuvant treatment. These results suggest the potential role of the higher expression of CHFR and the methylation pattern of its promoter as potential prognostic biomarkers in PDAC, thus warranting further comprehensive studies to extend and confirm our preliminary findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iranzu González-Borja
- OncobionaTras Lab, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Emilia Alors-Pérez
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Irene Amat
- Pathology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laura Alonso
- Pathology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Viyuela-García
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Surgery Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saioa Goñi
- OncobionaTras Lab, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José C Reyes
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - María Ceballos-Chávez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Marina E Sánchez-Frías
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Pathology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaría
- Proteomics Platform, Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Socorro Razquin
- Pathology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Arjona-Sánchez
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Surgery Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Virginia Arrazubi
- Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jairo Pérez-Sanz
- OncobionaTras Lab, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Fernández-Irigoyen
- Proteomics Platform, Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Justo P Castaño
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Viúdez
- OncobionaTras Lab, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Medical Affairs Services, ICON plc, North Wales, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baretti M, Karunasena E, Zahurak M, Walker R, Zhao Y, Pisanic TR, Wang TH, Greten TF, Duffy AG, Gootjes E, Meijer G, Verheul HMW, Ahuja N, Herman JG, Azad NS. A phase 2 trial of gemcitabine and docetaxel in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with methylated checkpoint with forkhead and ring finger domain promoter and/or microsatellite instability phenotype. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:954-963. [PMID: 33811727 PMCID: PMC8212722 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract We previously reported CHFR methylation in a subset of colorectal cancer (CRC; ∼30%) with high concordance with microsatellite instability (MSI). We also showed that CHFR methylation predicted for sensitivity to docetaxel, whereas the MSI‐high phenotypes were sensitive to gemcitabine. We hypothesized that this subset of patients with CRC would be selectively sensitive to gemcitabine and docetaxel. We enrolled a Phase 2 trial of gemcitabine and docetaxel in patients with MSI‐high and/or CHFR methylated CRC. The primary objective was Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 response rate. Enrolled patients were treated with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and docetaxel 70 mg/m2 on day 8 of each 21‐day cycle. A total of 6 patients with CHFR‐methylated, MSI‐high CRC were enrolled from September 2012 to August 2016. The study was closed in September of 2017 due to poor accrual prior to reaching the first interim assessment of response rate, which would have occurred at 10 patients. No RECIST criteria tumor responses were observed, with 3 patients (50%) having stable disease as best response, 1 lasting more than 9 months. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 1.79 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28, not available [NA]) and median overall survival (OS) was 15.67 months (95% CI = 4.24, NA). Common grade 3 toxicities were lymphopenia (67%), leukopenia (33%), and anemia (33%). Although negative, this study establishes a proof‐of‐concept for the implementation of epigenetic biomarkers (CHFR methylation/MSI) as inclusion criteria in a prospective clinical trial to optimize combinatorial strategies in the era of personalized medicine. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC?
CHFR silencing via DNA methylation has been suggested to be predictive of taxane sensitivity in diverse tumors. The frequent association of CHFR methylation with microsatellite instability (MSI) suggested a possible combination therapy with gemcitabine, because the MSI phenotype may result in sensitivity to nucleoside analogues.
WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS?
We hypothesized that metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), which have CHFR methylation and MSI phenotype were sensitive to gemcitabine and docetaxel, and have designed this Phase 2 trial in biomarker‐selected mCRC to test this prediction.
WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE?
The study enrolled a molecularly defined subgroup of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and showed that the combination is safe in this population. Nevertheless, due to poor enrollment and early termination, no conclusions on the primary and secondary end points could be made.
HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE?
This study supports the feasibility of implementing DNA methylation markers in a prospective clinical trial and further efforts toward their application as predictive biomarkers for therapeutic agents in defined subsets of patients are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Baretti
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Enusha Karunasena
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marianna Zahurak
- Department of Oncology, Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rosalind Walker
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas R Pisanic
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Austin G Duffy
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elske Gootjes
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUMC, Amsterdam and Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Meijer
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUMC, Amsterdam and Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M W Verheul
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUMC, Amsterdam and Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nita Ahuja
- Oncology and Pathology, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James G Herman
- Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nilofer S Azad
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maekawa H, Ito T, Orita H, Kushida T, Sakurada M, Sato K, Hulbert A, Brock MV. Analysis of the methylation of CpG islands in the CDO1, TAC1 and CHFR genes in pancreatic ductal cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2197-2204. [PMID: 32194717 PMCID: PMC7039134 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
No difference in the gene methylation status of tumor-suppression genes between pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues is observed. The present study investigated whether the promoter CpG islands of the cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1), tachykinin precursor 1 (TAC1) and checkpoint with forkhead and ring finger domains (CHFR) genes were methylated in pancreatic cancer and adjacent non-cancerous pancreatic tissue in order to determine if they could be considered as markers for the detection of pancreatic cancer. A total of 38 Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues and their adjacent non-cancerous specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer, as well as 9 non-cancerous pancreatic samples from patients without pancreatic adenocarcinoma were obtained following surgical resection. The hypermethylation of CpG islands was detected using a methylation-specific quantitative PCR. The methylation values were calculated using the ∆Cq method and were expressed as 2−ΔCq. The 2−ΔCq value of the CDO1 promoter from pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens was significantly higher compared with that of adjacent non-cancerous and tumor-free pancreatic tissues (P<0.0001 and P=0.0008, respectively). The 2−ΔCq value of the TAC1 promoter of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was also significantly higher compared with that of adjacent non-cancerous tissues and tumor-free pancreatic samples (both P<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the 2−ΔCq value of the CHFR promoter among the pancreatic cancer, adjacent non-cancer tissue and tumor-free pancreatic samples. Furthermore, 12 out of the 38 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases (31.6%) presented some methylation in the CHFR promoter. The results from Kaplan-Meier analysis between CHFR promoter methylation values and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma demonstrated that CHFR promoter methylation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. The methylation values of CDO1 and TAC1 promoters in cancer tissues were higher compared with adjacent tissues. However, whether hypermethylation of CDO1 and TAC1 promoters may serve as a biomarker in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Maekawa
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ito
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan.,Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Hajime Orita
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kushida
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Sakurada
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Department of Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
| | - Alicia Hulbert
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Malcolm V Brock
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Overman MJ, Adam L, Raghav K, Wang J, Kee B, Fogelman D, Eng C, Vilar E, Shroff R, Dasari A, Wolff R, Morris J, Karunasena E, Pisanic TR, Azad N, Kopetz S. Phase II study of nab-paclitaxel in refractory small bowel adenocarcinoma and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-high colorectal cancer. Ann Oncol 2019; 29:139-144. [PMID: 29069279 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands [CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)] represents a unique pathway for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), characterized by lack of chromosomal instability and a low rate of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations, which have both been correlated with taxane resistance. Similarly, small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), a rare tumor, also has a low rate of APC mutations. This phase II study evaluated taxane sensitivity in SBA and CIMP-high CRC. Patients and methods The primary objective was Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 response rate. Eligibility included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1, refractory disease, and SBA or CIMP-high metastatic CRC. Nab-paclitaxel was initially administered at a dose of 260 mg/m2 every 3 weeks but was reduced to 220 mg/m2 owing to toxicity. Results A total of 21 patients with CIMP-high CRC and 13 with SBA were enrolled from November 2012 to October 2014. The efficacy-assessable population (patients who received at least three doses of the treatment) comprised 15 CIMP-high CRC patients and 10 SBA patients. Common grade 3 or 4 toxicities were fatigue (12%), neutropenia (9%), febrile neutropenia (9%), dehydration (6%), and thrombocytopenia (6%). No responses were seen in the CIMP-high CRC cohort and two partial responses were seen in the SBA cohort. Median progression-free survival was significantly greater in the SBA cohort than in the CIMP-high CRC cohort (3.2 months compared with 2.1 months, P = 0.03). Neither APC mutation status nor CHFR methylation status correlated with efficacy in the CIMP-high CRC cohort. In vivo testing of paclitaxel in an SBA patient-derived xenograft validated the activity of taxanes in this disease type. Conclusion Although preclinical studies suggested taxane sensitivity was associated with chromosomal stability and wild-type APC, we found that nab-paclitaxel was inactive in CIMP-high metastatic CRC. Nab-paclitaxel may represent a novel therapeutic option for SBA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - L Adam
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - K Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - J Wang
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, USA
| | - B Kee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - D Fogelman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - C Eng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - E Vilar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - R Shroff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - A Dasari
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - R Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - J Morris
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - E Karunasena
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, USA
| | - T R Pisanic
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, USA
| | - N Azad
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, USA
| | - S Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maletzki C, Wiegele L, Nassar I, Stenzel J, Junghanss C. Chemo-immunotherapy improves long-term survival in a preclinical model of MMR-D-related cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:8. [PMID: 30630527 PMCID: PMC6329128 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0476-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MMR-D)-related tumors are highly immunogenic and constitute ideal vaccination targets. In a proof-of-concept study delayed tumorigenesis and prolonged survival has been shown in a clinically-relevant mouse model for MMR-D-related diseases (=MLH1 knock out mice). To refine this approach, vaccination was combined with immune modulatory low-dose chemotherapy to polarize immune regulatory subtypes. METHODS Mice (prophylactic: 8-10 weeks; therapeutic: > 36 weeks) received a single injection of cyclophosphamide (CPX, 120 mg/kg bw, i.p.) or gemcitabine (GEM, 100 mg/kg bw, i.p.) prior to vaccination (lysate of a gastrointestinal tumor allograft, 10 mg/kg bw, n = 9 mice/group). The vaccine was given repetitively (10 mg/kg bw, s.c., 4 x / once a week, followed by monthly boosts) until tumor formation or progression. Tumor growth ([18F] FDG PET/CT imaging) and immune responses were monitored (flow cytometry, IFNγ ELISpot). The microenvironment was analyzed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Prophylactic application of GEM + lysate delayed tumorigenesis compared to lysate monotherapy and CPX-pre-treatment (median time of onset: 53 vs. 47 vs. 48 weeks). 33% of mice even remained tumor-free until the experimental endpoint (= 65 weeks). This was accompanied by long-term effect on cytokine plasma levels; splenic myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as well as regulatory T cell numbers. Assessment of tumor microenvironment from GEM + lysate treated mice revealed low numbers of MDSCs, but enhanced T cell infiltration, in some cases co-expressing PD-L1. Therapeutic chemo-immunotherapy (GEM + lysate) had minor impact on overall survival (median time: 12 (GEM + lysate) vs. 11.5 (lysate) vs. 3 weeks (control)), but induced complete remission in one case. Dendritic and T cell infiltrates increased in both treatment groups. Reactive T cells specifically recognized MLH1-/- tumor cells in IFNγ ELISpot, but lacked response towards NK cell targets YAC-1. CONCLUSIONS Combined chemo-immunotherapy impairs tumor onset and growth likely attributable to modulation of immune responses. Depleting or 're-educating' immunosuppressive cell types, such as MDSC, may help moving a step closer to combat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maletzki
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Leonie Wiegele
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ingy Nassar
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jan Stenzel
- Core Facility Multimodal Small Animal Imaging, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69a, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cha Y, Kim SY, Yeo HY, Baek JY, Choi MK, Jung KH, Dong SM, Chang HJ. Association of CHFR Promoter Methylation with Treatment Outcomes of Irinotecan-Based Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Neoplasia 2018; 21:146-155. [PMID: 30562637 PMCID: PMC6297269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant promoter methylation plays a vital role in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, its role in treatment responses is unclear, especially for metastatic disease. Here, we investigated the association between promoter methylation and treatment outcomes of irinotecan-based chemotherapy in 102 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Promoter methylation was examined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction for three loci (CHFR, WRN, and SULF2) associated with chemotherapy response and five CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)–specific markers (CACNA1G, IGF2, NEUROG1, RUNX3, and SOCS1). Association between CHFR methylation and in vitro sensitivity to irinotecan was also evaluated. Promoter methylation of CHFR, WRN, and SULF2 was identified in 16 (15.7%), 24 (23.5%), and 33 (32.4%) patients, respectively. CIMP status was positive in 22 (21.6%) patients. CHFR methylation was associated with a significantly longer time to progression (TTP) (median: 8.77 vs. 4.43 months, P = .019), with trends favoring higher overall survival (OS) (median: 22.83 vs. 20.17 months, P = .300) and response rates (31.3% vs. 17.4%, P = .300). For patients with unmethylated CHFR, TTP (median: 5.60 vs. 3.53, P = .020) and OS (median: 20.57 vs. 9.23, P = .006) were significantly different according to CIMP status. Colorectal cancer cell lines with CHFR methylation demonstrated increased sensitivity to irinotecan. Both CHFR overexpression and combination with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine reversed irinotecan sensitivity in CHFR-methylated cell lines, whereas CHFR knockdown in unmethylated cells restored sensitivity to irinotecan. These data suggest that CHFR methylation may be associated with favorable treatment outcomes of irinotecan-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Cha
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea; Precision Medicine Branch, Division of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyun Yang Yeo
- Precision Medicine Branch, Division of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Baek
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea; Translational Research Branch, Division of Translational Science, Research Institute of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Moon Ki Choi
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Kyung Hae Jung
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Seung Myung Dong
- Molecular Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Research Institute of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
| | - Hee Jin Chang
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea; Precision Medicine Branch, Division of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Epigenetic Modifications as Biomarkers of Tumor Development, Therapy Response, and Recurrence across the Cancer Care Continuum. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040101. [PMID: 29614786 PMCID: PMC5923356 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epigenetic modifications are an early event in carcinogenesis, with the epigenetic landscape continuing to change during tumor progression and metastasis—these observations suggest that specific epigenetic modifications could be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many cancer types. DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are all dysregulated in cancer and are detectable to various degrees in liquid biopsies such as sputum, urine, stool, and blood. Here, we will focus on the application of liquid biopsies, as opposed to tissue biopsies, because of their potential as non-invasive diagnostic tools and possible use in monitoring therapy response and progression to metastatic disease. This includes a discussion of septin-9 (SEPT9) DNA hypermethylation for detecting colorectal cancer, which is by far the most developed epigenetic biomarker assay. Despite their potential as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, technical issues such as inconsistent methodology between studies, overall low yield of epigenetic material in samples, and the need for improved histone and non-coding RNA purification methods are limiting the use of epigenetic biomarkers. Once these technical limitations are overcome, epigenetic biomarkers could be used to monitor cancer development, disease progression, therapeutic response, and recurrence across the entire cancer care continuum.
Collapse
|
9
|
Baretti M, Azad NS. The role of epigenetic therapies in colorectal cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2018; 42:530-547. [PMID: 29625794 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although developments in the diagnosis and therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been made in the last decade, much work remains to be done as it remains the second leading cause of cancer death. It is now well established that epigenetic events, together with genetic alterations, are key events in initiation and progression of CRC. Epigenetics refers to heritable alterations in gene expression that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. These alterations include DNA methylation, histone alterations, chromatin remodelers, and noncoding RNAs. In CRC, aberrations in epigenome may also involve in the development of drug resistance to conventional drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Thus, it has been suggested that combined therapies with epigenetic agents may reverse drug resistance. In this regard, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors have been extensively investigated in CRC. The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of the preclinical data that represent a proof of principle for the employment of epigenetic agents in CRC with a focus on the advantages of combinatorial therapy over single-drug treatment. We will also critically discuss the results and limitations of initial clinical experiences of epigenetic-based therapy in CRC and summarize ongoing clinical trials. Nevertheless, since recent translational research suggest that epigenetic modulators play a key role in augmenting immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment and in restoring immune recognition, we will also highlight the recent developments of combinations strategies of immunotherapies and epigenetic therapies in CRC, summarizing preclinical, and clinical data to signify this evolving and promising field for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Baretti
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University.
| | - Nilofer Saba Azad
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schroll MM, Ludwig KR, Bauer KM, Hummon AB. Calcitriol Supplementation Causes Decreases in Tumorigenic Proteins and Different Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures in Right versus Left-Sided Colon Cancer. Metabolites 2018; 8:E5. [PMID: 29324674 PMCID: PMC5875995 DOI: 10.3390/metabo8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem worldwide. In particular, it is an issue in the Northern Hemisphere where UVB radiation does not penetrate the atmosphere as readily. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that cancer of the ascending (right side) colon is different from cancer of the descending (left side) colon in terms of prognosis, tumor differentiation, and polyp type, as well as at the molecular level. Right-side tumors have elevated Wnt signaling and are more likely to relapse, whereas left-side tumors have reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes. This study seeks to understand both the proteomic and metabolomic changes resulting from treatment of the active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, in right-sided and left-sided colon cancer. Our results show that left-sided colon cancer treated with calcitriol has a substantially greater number of changes in both the proteome and the metabolome than right-sided colon cancer. We found that calcitriol treatment in both right-sided and left-sided colon cancer causes a downregulation of ribosomal protein L37 and protein S100A10. Both of these proteins are heavily involved in tumorigenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for the correlation between low vitamin D levels and colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Schroll
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Katelyn R Ludwig
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Kerry M Bauer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Amanda B Hummon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pelosof L, Yerram S, Armstrong T, Chu N, Danilova L, Yanagisawa B, Hidalgo M, Azad N, Herman JG. GPX3 promoter methylation predicts platinum sensitivity in colorectal cancer. Epigenetics 2017; 12:540-550. [PMID: 27918237 PMCID: PMC5687334 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1265711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic control of gene expression is a major determinant of tumor phenotype and has been found to influence sensitivity to individual chemotherapeutic agents. Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3, plasma glutathione peroxidase) is a key component of cellular antioxidant regulation and its gene has been reported to be methylated in specific tumor types. GPX3 role in oxidative damage has been associated with sensitivity to platinums in other tumors but its importance in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been determined. We examined the role of GPX3 methylation in colorectal carcinoma in determining sensitivity to platinum drugs using primary tumor specimens, cell lines, knockdown cell lines, and tumor cell line xenografts. We find GPX3 promoter region methylation in approximately one third of CRC samples and GPX3 methylation leads to reduced GPX3 expression and increased oxaliplatin and cisplatin sensitivity. In contrast, in cell lines with high baseline levels of GPX3 expression or with the ability to increase GPX3 expression, platinum resistance is increased. The cisplatin IC50 in GPX3-methylated cell lines is approximately 6-fold lower than that in GPX3-unmethylated lines. Additionally, knockdown cell lines with essentially no GPX3 expression require N-acetylcysteine to survive in culture underscoring the importance of GPX3 in redox biology. In vivo, GPX3 methylation predicts tumor xenograft sensitivity to platinum with regression of GPX3 knockdown xenografts with platinum treatment but continued growth of GPX3 wild type xenografts in the presence of platinum. These studies demonstrate the importance of GPX3 for CRC cells resistance to platinums and the potential utility of GPX3 methylation status as a predictive biomarker for platinum sensitivity in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Pelosof
- Cancer Biology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sashidhar Yerram
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Todd Armstrong
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nina Chu
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Bioinformatics, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Breann Yanagisawa
- Cancer Biology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer Azad
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Chemical Therapeutics Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James G. Herman
- Cancer Biology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lung Cancer Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brodie SA, Li G, Harvey D, Khuri FR, Vertino PM, Brandes JC. Small molecule inhibition of the CHFR-PARP1 interaction as novel approach to overcome intrinsic taxane resistance in cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30773-86. [PMID: 26356822 PMCID: PMC4741567 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitotic checkpoint protein CHFR has emerged as a major mediator of taxane resistance in cancer. Here we show that CHFR's PAR-binding zinc finger domain (PBZ) mediates a protein interaction with poly-ADP ribosylated PARP1 leading to stabilization of CHFR. Disruption of the CHFR-PARP1 interaction through either PARP1 shRNA-mediated knockdown or overexpression of a PBZ domain peptide induces loss of CHFR protein expression. In an attempt to exploit this observation therapeutically, and to develop compounds with synthetic lethality in combination with taxanes, we performed a high-throughput computational screen of 5,256,508 chemical structures against the published crystal structure of the CHFR PBZ domain to identify candidate small molecule CHFR protein-protein interaction inhibitors. The 10 compounds with the best docking scores (< −9.7) were used for further in vitro testing. One lead compound in particular, termed ‘A3’, completely disrupted the protein-protein interaction between CHFR and PARP1, resulting in the inhibition of mitotic checkpoint function, and led to therapeutic synergy with docetaxel in cell viability and colony formation assays. In mouse xenografts, i.p. administration of ‘A3’ led to a significant reduction in nuclear CHFR protein expression with a maximal effect 4 hours after administration, confirming relevant pharmacodynamics following the peak of ‘A3’ plasma concentration in vivo. Furthermore, combination of A3 and taxane led to significant reduction of implanted tumor size without increase in hematological, hepatic or renal toxicity. These findings provide a proof-of-principle that small molecule inhibition of CHFR PBZ domain interaction is a novel potential therapeutic approach to increase the efficacy of taxane-based chemotherapy in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Brodie
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donald Harvey
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fadlo R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paula M Vertino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Johann C Brandes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Derks S, Cleven AHG, Melotte V, Smits KM, Brandes JC, Azad N, van Criekinge W, de Bruïne AP, Herman JG, van Engeland M. Emerging evidence for CHFR as a cancer biomarker: from tumor biology to precision medicine. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2015; 33:161-71. [PMID: 24375389 PMCID: PMC3988518 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-013-9462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel insights in the biology of cancer have switched the paradigm of a “one-size-fits-all” cancer treatment to an individualized biology-driven treatment approach. In recent years, a diversity of biomarkers and targeted therapies has been discovered. Although these examples accentuate the promise of personalized cancer treatment, for most cancers and cancer subgroups no biomarkers and effective targeted therapy are available. The great majority of patients still receive unselected standard therapies with no use of their individual molecular characteristics. Better knowledge about the underlying tumor biology will lead the way toward personalized cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the evidence for a promising cancer biomarker: checkpoint with forkhead and ring finger domains (CHFR). CHFR is a mitotic checkpoint and tumor suppressor gene, which is inactivated in a diverse group of solid malignancies, mostly by promoter CpG island methylation. CHFR inactivation has shown to be an indicator of poor prognosis and sensitivity to taxane-based chemotherapy. Here we summarize the current knowledge of altered CHFR expression in cancer, the impact on tumor biology and implications for personalized cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Derks
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen H. G. Cleven
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Veerle Melotte
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim M. Smits
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johann C. Brandes
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Atlanta VA Medical Center Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Nilofer Azad
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Wim van Criekinge
- Department of Mathematical Modelling, Statistics and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- MDxHealth, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Adriaan P. de Bruïne
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - James G. Herman
- Department of Tumor Biology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Manon van Engeland
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yun T, Liu Y, Gao D, Linghu E, Brock MV, Yin D, Zhan Q, Herman JG, Guo M. Methylation of CHFR sensitizes esophageal squamous cell cancer to docetaxel and paclitaxel. Genes Cancer 2015; 6:38-48. [PMID: 25821560 PMCID: PMC4362483 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Both genetic and epigenetic changes are involved in esophageal carcinogenesis. CHFR methylation has been found frequently in different cancers and is regarded as a marker of taxane sensitivity. CHFR methylation was found in 0% (0/16) of normal mucosa, 2.9% (1/34) of grade I dysplasia, 0% (0/8) of grade II dysplasia, 12.5% (1/8) of grade III dysplasia and 45% (49/109) of invasive cancer. When treated with docetaxel or paclitaxel, cell viability was lower in CHFR methylated esophageal cancer cells than in unmethylated cells (p<0.05). No difference was found with either cisplatin or VP16 treatment in either group (p>0.05). In CHFR methylated cells, treatment with docetaxel or paclitaxel resulted in almost all cells being suspended in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. After 5-AZ treatment, there was an increased fraction of CHFR-methylated cells in S and G2/M phases (p<0.05). In conclusion, CHFR is frequently methylated in ESCC and the expression of CHFR is regulated by promoter region methylation. CHFR methylation is a late stage event in ESCC. Methylation of CHFR sensitized ESCC cells to taxanes. 5-AZ may re-sensitize chemotherapy resistant in refractory tumors by inducing cell cycle phase re-distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Yun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Medical College of NanKai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Enqiang Linghu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Malcolm V Brock
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Dongtao Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - James G Herman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Song A, Ye J, Zhang K, Yu H, Gao Y, Wang H, Sun L, Xing X, Yang K, Zhao M. Aberrant expression of the CHFR prophase checkpoint gene in human B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Leuk Res 2015; 39:536-43. [PMID: 25798877 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint with FHA and Ring Finger (CHFR) is a checkpoint protein that reportedly initiates a cell cycle delay in response to microtubule stress during prophase in mitosis, which has become an interesting target for understanding cancer pathogenesis. Recently, aberrant methylation of the CHFR gene associated with gene silencing has been reported in several cancers. In the present study, we examined the expression of CHFR in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that the expression level of CHFR mRNA and protein was reduced in B-NHL tissue samples and B cell lines. Furthermore, CHFR methylation was detected in 39 of 122 B-NHL patients, which was not found in noncancerous reactive hyperplasia of lymph node (RH) tissues. CHFR methylation correlated with the reduced expression of CHFR, high International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores and later pathologic Ann Arbor stages of B-NHL. Treatment with demethylation reagent, 5-Aza-dC, could eliminate the hypermethylation of CHFR, enhance CHFR expression and cell apoptosis and inhibit the cell proliferation of Raji cells, which could be induced by high expression of CHFR in Raji cells. Our results indicated that aberrant methylation of CHFR may be associated with the pathogenesis, progression for B-NHL, which might be a novel molecular marker as prognosis and treatment for B-NHL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiqin Song
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China.
| | - Junli Ye
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong 266021, China
| | - Kunpeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Hongsheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Yanhua Gao
- Department of Hematology, Qingdao Women and Children's Medical Care Center, Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Hongfang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Lirong Sun
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Xiaoming Xing
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong 266003, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Center Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong 266003, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Miozzo M, Vaira V, Sirchia SM. Epigenetic alterations in cancer and personalized cancer treatment. Future Oncol 2015; 11:333-48. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Based on the pivotal importance of epigenetics for transcription regulation, it is not surprising that cancer is characterized by several epigenetic abnormalities. Conversely to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes are not permanent, thus represent opportunities for therapeutic strategies designed to reverse transcriptional abnormalities, and cancer is the first disease in which epigenetic therapies with chromatin remodeling agents were introduced. The role of miRNAs in gene regulation supports their potential as innovative therapeutic strategy. Recent evidences have proven that the environment can profoundly influence the epigenome: diet, smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact the expression profile. Given the plasticity of epigenetic marks, it is challenging the idea that the epigenetic alterations are ‘druggable’ sites using specific food components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Miozzo
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology & Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaira
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare ‘Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, Integrative Biology Unit, Milano, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Brodie SA, Lombardo C, Li G, Kowalski J, Gandhi K, You S, Khuri FR, Marcus A, Vertino PM, Brandes JC. Aberrant promoter methylation of caveolin-1 is associated with favorable response to taxane-platinum combination chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107124. [PMID: 25222296 PMCID: PMC4164573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Aberrant promoter DNA methylation can serve as a predictive biomarker for improved clinical responses to certain chemotherapeutics. One of the major advantages of methylation biomarkers is the ease of detection and clinical application. In order to identify methylation biomarkers predictive of a response to a taxane-platinum based chemotherapy regimen in advanced NSCLC we performed an unbiased methylation analysis of 1,536 CpG dinucleotides in cancer-associated gene loci and correlated results with clinical outcomes. Methods We studied a cohort of 49 patients (median age 62 years) with advanced NSCLC treated at the Atlanta VAMC between 1999 and 2010. Methylation analysis was done on the Illumina GoldenGate Cancer panel 1 methylation microarray platform. Methylation data were correlated with clinical response and adjusted for false discovery rates. Results Cav1 methylation emerged as a powerful predictor for achieving disease stabilization following platinum taxane based chemotherapy (p = 1.21E-05, FDR significance = 0.018176). In Cox regression analysis after multivariate adjustment for age, performance status, gender, histology and the use of bevacizumab, CAV1 methylation was significantly associated with improved overall survival (HR 0.18 (95%CI: 0.03–0.94)). Silencing of CAV1 expression in lung cancer cell lines(A549, EKVX)by shRNA led to alterations in taxane retention. Conclusions CAV1 methylation is a predictor of disease stabilization and improved overall survival following chemotherapy with a taxane-platinum combination regimen in advanced NSCLC. CAV1 methylation may predict improved outcomes for other chemotherapeutic agents which are subject to cellular clearance mediated by caveolae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth A. Brodie
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Courtney Lombardo
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ge Li
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeanne Kowalski
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Khanjan Gandhi
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shaojin You
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fadlo R. Khuri
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adam Marcus
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Paula M. Vertino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Johann C. Brandes
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qin Y, Liu XJ, Li L, Liu XJ, Li Y, Gao RJ, Shao RG, Zhen YS. MMP-2/9-oriented combinations enhance antitumor efficacy of EGFR/HER2-targeting fusion proteins and gemcitabine. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:121-30. [PMID: 24807584 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
To increase the antitumor efficacy, in the present study, we proposed several settings of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9-oriented combinations that comprise the MMP-2/9-targeting fusion protein dFv-LDP and the MMP inhibitor doxycycline (DOX) in association with EGFR/HER2-bispecific fusion protein Ec-LDP-Hr, its enediyne-energized analogue Ec-LDP-Hr-AE, and gemcitabine (GEM). The expressions of various fusion proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Proliferation and migration inhibition of cells were determined by MTT and Transwell assay, respectively. The binding capability of dFv-LDP and Ec-LDP-Hr to cancer cells was examined by ELISA, cell immunofluorescence coimmunoprecipitation and confocal assays. Animal experiments were set to investigate the antitumor efficacy of various combinations against colorectal carcinoma HCT-15 xenograft in athymic mice. These two targeting proteins dFv-LDP and Ec-LDP-Hr had strong binding capabilities and antiproliferation effects on various cancer cell lines. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy in vivo was observed in the MMP-2/9-targeting fusion protein dFv-LDP integrated combinations including: i) dFv-LDP and Ec-LDP-Hr, ii) dFv-LDP and enediyne-energized fusion protein Ec-LDP-Hr-AE, iii) dFv-LDP and Ec-LDP-Hr-AE plus DOX, and iv) dFv-LDP and GEM plus DOX against colorectal cancer HCT-15 xenograft in athymic mice. In setting iii, DOX (20 mg/kg), dFv-LDP (20 mg/kg) and Ec-LDP-Hr-AE (0.3 mg/kg) alone suppressed tumor growth by 35, 49.7 and 67.5%, respectively. The combination of dFv-LDP and Ec-LDP-Hr-AE was 75.1%. Furthermore, this combination plus DOX showed stronger efficacy with an inhibitory rate of 82.7%. In setting iv, the combination of dFv-LDP and GEM suppressed tumor growth by 66.3%. Notably, the tumor inhibitory rate of the dFv-LDP/GEM/DOX combination reached 85.5%, producing initial shrinkage after the first administration. The MMP-2/9-oriented combination strategy that employs the MMP-2/9-targeting antibody-based fusion protein and the small molecular inhibitor DOX as the basic composed agents may enhance antitumor efficacy in association with the EGFR/HER2-targeting fusion protein and GEM. This multiple targeting approach may be useful for enhancing antitumor efficacy against colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qin
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Jun Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Xu-Jie Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Juan Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Su Zhen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|