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Pedersen EA, Verhaegen ME, Joseph MK, Harms KL, Harms PW. Merkel cell carcinoma: updates in tumor biology, emerging therapies, and preclinical models. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1413793. [PMID: 39136002 PMCID: PMC11317257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1413793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma thought to arise via either viral (Merkel cell polyomavirus) or ultraviolet-associated pathways. Surgery and radiotherapy have historically been mainstays of management, and immunotherapy has improved outcomes for advanced disease. However, there remains a lack of effective therapy for those patients who fail to respond to these established approaches, underscoring a critical need to better understand MCC biology for more effective prognosis and treatment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects of MCC biology and the recent advances which have had profound impact on management. The first genetically-engineered mouse models for MCC tumorigenesis provide opportunities to understand the potential MCC cell of origin and may prove useful for preclinical investigation of novel therapeutics. The MCC cell of origin debate has also been advanced by recent observations of MCC arising in association with a clonally related hair follicle tumor or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. These studies also suggested a role for epigenetics in the origin of MCC, highlighting a potential utility for this therapeutic avenue in MCC. These and other therapeutic targets form the basis for a wealth of ongoing clinical trials to improve MCC management. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the existing literature and implications for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mallory K. Joseph
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly L. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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2
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Albertini S, Martuscelli L, Borgogna C, Virdi S, Indenbirken D, Lo Cigno I, Griffante G, Calati F, Boldorini R, Fischer N, Gariglio M. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Exert Proangiogenic Activity in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 143:965-976.e15. [PMID: 36572089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex niche enveloping a tumor formed by extracellular matrix, blood vessels, immune cells, and fibroblasts constantly interacting with cancer cells. Although tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a major player in cancer initiation and progression in many tumor types, its involvement in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) pathogenesis is currently unknown. In this study, we provide a molecular and functional characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the major tumor microenvironment component, in patient-derived xenografts of patients with MCC. We show that subcutaneous coinjection of patient-derived CAFs and human MCC MKL-1 cells into severe combined immunodeficient mice significantly promotes tumor growth and metastasis. These fast-growing xenografts are characterized by areas densely populated with human CAFs, mainly localized around blood vessels. We provide evidence that the growth-promoting activity of MCC-derived CAFs is mediated by the aminopeptidase A/angiotensin II and III/angiotensin II type 1 receptor axis, with the expression of aminopeptidase A in CAFs being a triggering event. Together, our findings point to aminopeptidase A as a potential marker for MCC prognostic stratification and as a candidate for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Albertini
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Licia Martuscelli
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Cinzia Borgogna
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Sanamjeet Virdi
- Technology Platform Next Generation Sequencing, Leibniz Institute for Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Technology Platform Next Generation Sequencing, Leibniz Institute for Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irene Lo Cigno
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Gloria Griffante
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Calati
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marisa Gariglio
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy.
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3
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Loke ASW, Lambert PF, Spurgeon ME. Current In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study MCPyV-Associated MCC. Viruses 2022; 14:2204. [PMID: 36298759 PMCID: PMC9607385 DOI: 10.3390/v14102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only human polyomavirus currently known to cause human cancer. MCPyV is believed to be an etiological factor in at least 80% of cases of the rare but aggressive skin malignancy Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In these MCPyV+ MCC tumors, clonal integration of the viral genome results in the continued expression of two viral proteins: the viral small T antigen (ST) and a truncated form of the viral large T antigen. The oncogenic potential of MCPyV and the functional properties of the viral T antigens that contribute to neoplasia are becoming increasingly well-characterized with the recent development of model systems that recapitulate the biology of MCPyV+ MCC. In this review, we summarize our understanding of MCPyV and its role in MCC, followed by the current state of both in vitro and in vivo model systems used to study MCPyV and its contribution to carcinogenesis. We also highlight the remaining challenges within the field and the major considerations related to the ongoing development of in vitro and in vivo models of MCPyV+ MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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4
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Merkel cell carcinoma and immune evasion: Merkel cell polyomavirus small T-antigen induced surface changes can be reverted by therapeutic intervention. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:3071-3081.e13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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5
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Metzen M, Bruns M, Deppert W, Schumacher U. Infiltration of Immune Competent Cells into Primary Tumors and Their Surrounding Connective Tissues in Xenograft and Syngeneic Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084213. [PMID: 33921688 PMCID: PMC8073739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To fight cancer more efficiently with cell-based immunotherapy, more information about the cells of the immune system and their interaction with cancer cells in vivo is needed. Therefore paraffin wax embedded primary breast cancers from the syngeneic mouse WAP-T model and from xenografted tumors of breast, colon, melanoma, ovarian, neuroblastoma, pancreatic, prostate, and small cell lung cancer were investigated for the infiltration of immunocompetent cells by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against leukocyte markers. The following markers were used: CD45 as a pan-leukocyte marker, BSA-I as a dendritic cell marker, CD11b as an NK cell marker, and CD68 as a marker for macrophages. The labeled immune cells were attributed to the following locations: adjacent adipose tissue, tumor capsule, intra-tumoral septae, and cancer cells directly. In xenograft tumors, the highest score of CD45 and CD11b positive, NK, and dendritic cells were found in the adjacent adipose tissue, followed by lesser infiltration directly located at the cancer cells themselves. The detected numbers of CD45 positive cells differed between the tumor entities: few infiltrating cells in breast cancer, small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma, a moderate infiltration in colon cancer, melanoma and ovarian cancer, strongest infiltration in prostate and pancreatic cancer. In the syngeneic tumors, the highest score of CD45 and CD11b positive, NK and dendritic cells were observed in the tumor capsule, followed by a lesser infiltration of the cancer tissue. Our findings argue for paying more attention to investigate how immune-competent cells can reach the tumor cells directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon Metzen
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)40-7410-52586; Fax: +49-(0)40-7410-55427
| | - Michael Bruns
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Deppert
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Department of Tumorvirology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
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6
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Czech-Sioli M, Günther T, Therre M, Spohn M, Indenbirken D, Theiss J, Riethdorf S, Qi M, Alawi M, Wülbeck C, Fernandez-Cuesta I, Esmek F, Becker JC, Grundhoff A, Fischer N. High-resolution analysis of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma reveals distinct integration patterns and suggests NHEJ and MMBIR as underlying mechanisms. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008562. [PMID: 32833988 PMCID: PMC7470373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the etiological agent of the majority of Merkel Cell Carcinomas (MCC). MCPyV positive MCCs harbor integrated, defective viral genomes that constitutively express viral oncogenes. Which molecular mechanisms promote viral integration, if distinct integration patterns exist, and if integration occurs preferentially at loci with specific chromatin states is unknown. We here combined short and long-read (nanopore) next-generation sequencing and present the first high-resolution analysis of integration site structure in MCC cell lines as well as primary tumor material. We find two main types of integration site structure: Linear patterns with chromosomal breakpoints that map closely together, and complex integration loci that exhibit local amplification of genomic sequences flanking the viral DNA. Sequence analysis suggests that linear patterns are produced during viral replication by integration of defective/linear genomes into host DNA double strand breaks via non-homologous end joining, NHEJ. In contrast, our data strongly suggest that complex integration patterns are mediated by microhomology-mediated break-induced replication, MMBIR. Furthermore, we show by ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis that MCPyV preferably integrates in open chromatin and provide evidence that viral oncogene expression is driven by the viral promoter region, rather than transcription from juxtaposed host promoters. Taken together, our data explain the characteristics of MCPyV integration and may also provide a model for integration of other oncogenic DNA viruses such as papillomaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlin Therre
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Theiss
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumorbiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Wülbeck
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Irene Fernandez-Cuesta
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Esmek
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
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7
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Schrama D, Sarosi EM, Adam C, Ritter C, Kaemmerer U, Klopocki E, König EM, Utikal J, Becker JC, Houben R. Characterization of six Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines: Integration pattern suggest that large T antigen truncating events occur before or during integration. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1020-1032. [PMID: 30873613 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor, is a polyomavirus-induced human cancer. To study the causal relationship of MCC carcinogenesis with the integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in detail, well-characterized MCC cell lines are needed. Consequently, in the current study, we established and characterized six MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization revealed a stable genome carrying only a limited number of chromosomal gains and deletions. All cell lines expressed MCC markers Keratin-20 and neuron-specific enolase as well as truncated MCPyV-encoded large T antigen (LT). For five cell lines, we were able to identify the MCPyV-integration sites in introns of different genes. The LT-truncating stop codon mutations and integration sites were affirmed in the respective clinical patient samples. Inverse PCR suggested that three of the cell lines contained MCPyV genomes as concatemers. This notion was confirmed for the two cell lines with known integration sites. Importantly, our observation of distinct stop codon mutations in cell lines with concatemeric MCPyV integration indicates that these LT-truncating mutations occur before integration. In summary, we provide the detailed characterization of six MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines, which are likely to serve as valuable tools in future MCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Sarosi
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Adam
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cathrin Ritter
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research (tscr), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK/DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kaemmerer
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria König
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research (tscr), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK/DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Riethdorf S, Hildebrandt L, Heinzerling L, Heitzer E, Fischer N, Bergmann S, Mauermann O, Waldispühl-Geigl J, Coith C, Schön G, Peine S, Schuler G, Speicher MR, Moll I, Pantel K. Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Clin Chem 2019; 65:462-472. [PMID: 30626636 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2018.297028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with increasing incidence and high mortality rates. MCC has recently become the subject of immune checkpoint therapy, but reliable biomarkers for estimating prognosis, risk stratification, and prediction of response are missing. METHODS Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were detected in peripheral blood from patients with MCC by use of the CellSearch® system. Moreover, CTCs of selected cases were characterized for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), chromosomal aberrations, and programed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) production. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were tested at first blood draw (baseline), and 16 patients had 2 or 3 consecutive measurements to detect CTCs. At baseline, ≥1 CTC (range, 1-790), >1, or ≥5 CTCs/7.5 mL were detected in 21 (41%), 17 (33%), and 6 (12%) patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 21.1 months for 50 patients, detection of CTCs correlated with overall survival (≥1, P = 0.030; >1, P < 0.020; and ≥5 CTCs/7.5 mL, P < 0.0001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the detection of ≥5 CTCs/7.5 mL adjusted to age and sex compared to that of <5 was associated with a reduced overall survival (P = 0.001, hazard ratio = 17.8; 95% CI, 4.0-93.0). MCPyV DNA and genomic aberrations frequently found in MCC tissues could also be detected in single CTCs. Analyzed CTCs were PD-L1 negative or only weakly positive. CONCLUSIONS The presence of CTCs is a prognostic factor of impaired clinical outcome, with the potential to monitor the progression of the disease in real time. Molecular characterization of CTCs might provide new insights into the biology of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Lina Hildebrandt
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ellen Heitzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Bergmann
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Mauermann
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julie Waldispühl-Geigl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cornelia Coith
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schön
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael R Speicher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ingrid Moll
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Cellular sheddases are induced by Merkel cell polyomavirus small tumour antigen to mediate cell dissociation and invasiveness. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007276. [PMID: 30188954 PMCID: PMC6143273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a high propensity for recurrence and metastasis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is recognised as the causative factor in the majority of MCC cases. The MCPyV small tumour antigen (ST) is considered to be the main viral transforming factor, however potential mechanisms linking ST expression to the highly metastatic nature of MCC are yet to be fully elucidated. Metastasis is a complex process, with several discrete steps required for the formation of secondary tumour sites. One essential trait that underpins the ability of cancer cells to metastasise is how they interact with adjoining tumour cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Here we demonstrate that MCPyV ST expression disrupts the integrity of cell-cell junctions, thereby enhancing cell dissociation and implicate the cellular sheddases, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 10 and 17 proteins in this process. Inhibition of ADAM 10 and 17 activity reduced MCPyV ST-induced cell dissociation and motility, attributing their function as critical to the MCPyV-induced metastatic processes. Consistent with these data, we confirm that ADAM 10 and 17 are upregulated in MCPyV-positive primary MCC tumours. These novel findings implicate cellular sheddases as key host cell factors contributing to virus-mediated cellular transformation and metastasis. Notably, ADAM protein expression may be a novel biomarker of MCC prognosis and given the current interest in cellular sheddase inhibitors for cancer therapeutics, it highlights ADAM 10 and 17 activity as a novel opportunity for targeted interventions for disseminated MCC.
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10
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Becker JC, Stang A, Hausen AZ, Fischer N, DeCaprio JA, Tothill RW, Lyngaa R, Hansen UK, Ritter C, Nghiem P, Bichakjian CK, Ugurel S, Schrama D. Epidemiology, biology and therapy of Merkel cell carcinoma: conclusions from the EU project IMMOMEC. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:341-351. [PMID: 29188306 PMCID: PMC6015651 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive, often lethal neuroendocrine cancer. Its carcinogenesis may be either caused by the clonal integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the host genome or by UV-induced mutations. Notably, virally-encoded oncoproteins and UV-induced mutations affect comparable signaling pathways such as RB restriction of cell cycle progression or p53 inactivation. Despite its low incidence, MCC recently received much attention based on its exquisite immunogenicity and the resulting major success of immune modulating therapies. Here, we summarize current knowledge on epidemiology, biology and therapy of MCC as conclusion of the project 'Immune Modulating strategies for treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma', which was funded over a 5-year period by the European Commission to investigate innovative immunotherapies for MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (tscr), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital of Essen, Universitätsstrasse 1, S05 T05 B, 45141, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Stang
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology; c/o Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rikke Lyngaa
- Section for Immunology and Vaccinology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Kring Hansen
- George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cathrin Ritter
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (tscr), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital of Essen, Universitätsstrasse 1, S05 T05 B, 45141, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Nghiem
- George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Stakaitytė G, Nwogu N, Lippiat JD, Blair GE, Poterlowicz K, Boyne JR, Macdonald A, Mankouri J, Whitehouse A. The cellular chloride channels CLIC1 and CLIC4 contribute to virus-mediated cell motility. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:4582-4590. [PMID: 29462791 PMCID: PMC5868249 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels regulate many aspects of cell physiology, including cell proliferation, motility, and migration, and aberrant expression and activity of ion channels is associated with various stages of tumor development, with K+ and Cl− channels now being considered the most active during tumorigenesis. Accordingly, emerging in vitro and preclinical studies have revealed that pharmacological manipulation of ion channel activity offers protection against several cancers. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a major cause of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), primarily because of the expression of two early regulatory proteins termed small and large tumor antigens (ST and LT, respectively). Several molecular mechanisms have been attributed to MCPyV-mediated cancer formation but, thus far, no studies have investigated any potential link to cellular ion channels. Here we demonstrate that Cl− channel modulation can reduce MCPyV ST-induced cell motility and invasiveness. Proteomic analysis revealed that MCPyV ST up-regulates two Cl− channels, CLIC1 and CLIC4, which when silenced, inhibit MCPyV ST-induced motility and invasiveness, implicating their function as critical to MCPyV-induced metastatic processes. Consistent with these data, we confirmed that CLIC1 and CLIC4 are up-regulated in primary MCPyV-positive MCC patient samples. We therefore, for the first time, implicate cellular ion channels as a key host cell factor contributing to virus-mediated cellular transformation. Given the intense interest in ion channel modulating drugs for human disease. This highlights CLIC1 and CLIC4 activity as potential targets for MCPyV-induced MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielė Stakaitytė
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Nnenna Nwogu
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Jonathan D Lippiat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom and
| | - G Eric Blair
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | - Krzysztof Poterlowicz
- Centre for Skin Sciences, School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - James R Boyne
- Centre for Skin Sciences, School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Jamel Mankouri
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, .,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Adrian Whitehouse
- From the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, .,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Drives Cell Motility via Rho-GTPase-Induced Filopodium Formation. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00940-17. [PMID: 29093086 PMCID: PMC5752956 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00940-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell motility and migration is a complex, multistep, and multicomponent process intrinsic to progression and metastasis. Motility is dependent on the activities of integrin receptors and Rho family GTPases, resulting in the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and formation of various motile actin-based protrusions. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a high likelihood of recurrence and metastasis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with the majority of MCC cases, and MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis largely depends on the expression of the small tumor antigen (ST). Since the discovery of MCPyV, a number of mechanisms have been suggested to account for replication and tumorigenesis, but to date, little is known about potential links between MCPyV T antigen expression and the metastatic nature of MCC. Previously, we described the action of MCPyV ST on the microtubule network and how it impacts cell motility and migration. Here, we demonstrate that MCPyV ST affects the actin cytoskeleton to promote the formation of filopodia through a mechanism involving the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4C). We also show that MCPyV ST-induced cell motility is dependent upon the activities of the Rho family GTPases Cdc42 and RhoA. In addition, our results indicate that the MCPyV ST-PP4C interaction results in the dephosphorylation of β1 integrin, likely driving the cell motility pathway. These findings describe a novel mechanism by which a tumor virus induces cell motility, which may ultimately lead to cancer metastasis, and provides opportunities and strategies for targeted interventions for disseminated MCC. IMPORTANCE Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the most recently discovered human tumor virus. It causes the majority of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms implicating MCPyV-encoded proteins in cancer development are yet to be fully elucidated. This study builds upon our previous observations, which demonstrated that the MCPyV ST antigen enhances cell motility, providing a potential link between MCPyV protein expression and the highly metastatic nature of MCC. Here, we show that MCPyV ST remodels the actin cytoskeleton, promoting the formation of filopodia, which is essential for MCPyV ST-induced cell motility, and we also implicate the activity of specific Rho family GTPases, Cdc42 and RhoA, in these processes. Moreover, we describe a novel mechanism for the activation of Rho-GTPases and the cell motility pathway due to the interaction between MCPyV ST and the cellular phosphatase catalytic subunit PP4C, which leads to the specific dephosphorylation of β1 integrin. These findings may therefore provide novel strategies for therapeutic intervention for disseminated MCC.
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