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Isaguliants MG, Ivanov AV, Buonaguro FM. Chronic Viral Infections and Cancer, Openings for Therapies and Vaccines. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:818. [PMID: 38398209 PMCID: PMC10886681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections are responsible for approximately one out of six cases of cancer worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Isaguliants
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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2
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Saito Y, Kage H, Kobayashi K, Yoshida M, Fukuoka O, Yamamura K, Mukai T, Oda K, Yamasoba T. TERT promoter mutation positive oral cavity carcinomas, a clinically and genetically distinct subgroup of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Head Neck 2023; 45:3107-3118. [PMID: 37815002 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The importance of TERT promoter (pTERT) mutation of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) with clinical features and genetic alterations are not well recognized. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed genetic data from multiple databases, including 260 cases from the C-CAT database, 407 cases from the MSK-MetTropism database, and 40 OCSCC datasets from in-house clinical samples. RESULTS From C-CAT database, TP53 (66%), CDKN2A (51%), and pTERT (29%) were the most frequent mutations observed. pTERT mutations were more prevalent in OCSCC (63%), younger individuals, and women (46%), with lower rates of alcohol abuse and smoking and co-mutated with TP53, HRAS, and CASP8. MSK-MetTroposim data validated with the enrichment of pTERT mutations in OCSCC, among women and Asian individuals. In-house datasets OCSCC with pTERT mutation (50%) characterized by fewer recurrent neck metastases. CONCLUSION The study suggests that OCSCC with pTERT mutation represents a distinct subgroup with unique clinical and genetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Saito
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Kage
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenya Kobayashi
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yoshida
- Department of Otolaryngology, Showa General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Fukuoka
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Yamamura
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Mukai
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Oda
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Tornesello ML, Cerasuolo A, Starita N, Amiranda S, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L, Tornesello AL. Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in cancer: the role of TERT promoter mutations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1286683. [PMID: 38033865 PMCID: PMC10684755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1286683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity and telomere elongation are essential conditions for the unlimited proliferation of neoplastic cells. Point mutations in the core promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been found to occur at high frequencies in several tumour types and considered a primary cause of telomerase reactivation in cancer cells. These mutations promote TERT gene expression by multiple mechanisms, including the generation of novel binding sites for nuclear transcription factors, displacement of negative regulators from DNA G-quadruplexes, recruitment of epigenetic activators and disruption of long-range interactions between TERT locus and telomeres. Furthermore, TERT promoter mutations cooperate with TPP1 promoter nucleotide changes to lengthen telomeres and with mutated BRAF and FGFR3 oncoproteins to enhance oncogenic signalling in cancer cells. TERT promoter mutations have been recognized as an early marker of tumour development or a major indicator of poor outcome and reduced patients survival in several cancer types. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of TERT promoter mutations, telomerase expression and telomeres elongation in cancer development, their clinical significance and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Amiranda
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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4
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Kwon MJ, Park HY, Lee JS, Kim ES, Kim NY, Nam ES, Cho SJ, Kang HS. Dysregulated microRNA Expression Relevant to TERT Promoter Mutations in Tonsil Cancer-A Pilot Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2090. [PMID: 37895471 PMCID: PMC10608590 DOI: 10.3390/life13102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) exhibit high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. The expression profiles of microRNA (miRNA), which are small RNA molecules that play pivotal roles in biological processes, in TSCC in relation to the HPV status and cancer-related genetic mutations are not well investigated. Herein, we expanded our previous research, which was focused on established clinicopathological and genetic mutational data, to profile miRNA expression in TSCC, aiming to identify clinically relevant targets for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. The miRNA profiles were analyzed using the nCounter Nanostring miRNA Expression assay in 22 surgically resected TSCC tissues and their contralateral normal tonsil tissues. The TERT promoter (TERTp) gene was the only relevant candidate gene associated with differentially expressed miRNAs in TSCC. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed high expression levels of hsa-miR-1285-5p, hsa-miR-1203, hsa-miR-663a, hsa-miR-1303, hsa-miR-33a-5p, and hsa-miR-3615 coupled with low expression levels of hsa-miR-3182, hsa-miR-219a-2-3p, and hsa-miR-767-3p, which were associated with HPV-positive TSCC (p = 0.009). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these dysregulated miRNAs tended to be involved in protein binding (molecular function) and cellular components (biological processes). Therefore, hsa-miR-1285-5p and hsa-miR-663a may be associated with HPV-positive TERTp-mutated tumors and may serve as potential treatment targets and biomarkers for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ha Young Park
- Department of Pathology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
| | - Joong Seob Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Nan Young Kim
- Hallym Institute of Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Sook Nam
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (E.S.N.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (E.S.N.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Ho Suk Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
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Lin F, Huang J, Zhu W, Jiang T, Guo J, Xia W, Chen M, Guo L, Deng W, Lin H. Prognostic value and immune landscapes of TERT promoter methylation in triple negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1218987. [PMID: 37575241 PMCID: PMC10416624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1218987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain limited to mainstay therapies owing to a lack of efficacious therapeutic targets. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to discover and identify novel molecular targets for the treatment and diagnosis of this disease. In this study, we analyzed the correlation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) methylation status with TERT expression, prognosis, and immune infiltration in TNBC and identified the role of TERT methylation in the regulation TNBC prognosis and immunotherapy. Methods Data relating to the transcriptome, clinicopathological characteristics and methylation of TNBC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. TERT expression levels and differential methylation sites (DMSs) were detected. The correlations between TERT expression and DMSs were calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves was plotted to analyze the relationship between the survival of TNBC patients and the DMSs. The correlations of DMSs and TERT expression with several immunological characteristics of immune microenvironment (immune cell infiltration, immunomodulators, immune-related biological pathways, and immune checkpoints) were assessed. The results were validated using 40 TNBC patients from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). Results Six DMSs were identified. Among them, four sites (cg11625005, cg07380026, cg17166338, and cg26006951) were within the TERT promoter, in which two sites (cg07380026 and cg26006951) were significantly related to the prognosis of patients with TNBC. Further validation using 40 TNBC samples from SYSUCC showed that the high methylation of the cg26006951 CpG site was associated with poor survival prognosis (P=0.0022). TERT expression was significantly correlated with pathological N stage and clinical stage, and cg07380026 were significantly associated with pathological T and N stages in the TCGA cohort. Moreover, the methylation site cg26006951, cg07380026 and TERT expression were significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, common immunomodulators, and the level of the immune checkpoint receptor lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) in TNBC patients. Conclusion TERT promotertypermethylation plays an important role in TERT expression regulation and tumor microenvironment in TNBC. It is associated with overall survival and LAG-3 expression. TERT promoter hypermethylation may be a potential molecular biomarker for predicting response to the TERT inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Prasad R, Panchal S, Rani I, Parashar G, Kishan J, Bhatnagar M. Atypical Case of Highly Mutated h-TERT Promoter in Germline Genome from Buccal Mucosa Cancer. Indian J Clin Biochem 2023; 38:400-404. [PMID: 37234183 PMCID: PMC10205942 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-021-01006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Buccal mucosa cancer has an aggressive nature as it rapidly grows and penetrates with high recurrence rate. Strikingly, carcinoma of buccal mucosa is the most common cancer of oral cavity in India. Recently, telomerase and telomere biology have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression in various cancers via regulation of telomere maintenance by telomerase expression which is controlled by telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter. Strikingly, h-TERT promoter mutations have been incriminated in regulation of telomerase gene expression. Here, we present a 35 years old male with intense coughing, short breathlessness and fever since 15 days, was admitted to the pulmonary unit. He was a chronic smoker and gutka user. The cytopathological analysis of gastric aspirate revealed buccal mucosa carcinoma of IV stage. We identified h-TERT promoter mutations in isolated genomic DNA from whole blood using DNA sequencer. Genetic analysis disclosed that h-TERT promoter region was highly mutated in this patient. Identified mutations include C.-248 del G, C.-272 del G, C.-279 del G, C.-331 del G, C.-349 del G, C.-351 del C, C.-360 G > A, C.-362 T > A, C.-371 del T and C.-372 del T. Further, all identified mutations were subjected to predict the pathologic functional consequences using bioinformatics tools viz TFsitescan and CiiiDER which showed either loss or gain of transcription factors binding sites in h-TERT promoter. This is a unique case in which total 9 mutations were observed in h-TERT promoter in a single case. In conclusion, all together these mutations in h-TERT promoter may alter the epigenetics and subsequently the tenacity of binding transcription factors which are of functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Sonia Panchal
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Gaurav Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Jai Kishan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Mini Bhatnagar
- Department of General Medicine, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
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Boscolo-Rizzo P, Tirelli G, Polesel J, Sia E, Phillips V, Borsetto D, De Rossi A, Giunco S. TERT promoter mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and prognostic significance. Oral Oncol 2023; 140:106398. [PMID: 37075587 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of two most common and mutually exclusive -124 C > T and -146 C > T TERT promoter mutations in HNSCC and analyse their prognostic role. MATERIALS AND METHODS The databases Medline (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid), Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science (Core Collection) were searched from inception to December 2022 to identify studies analysing TERT promoter mutations in HNSCC. Pooled prevalence of TERT promoter mutations and hazard ratio (sHR) of death/progression, with corresponding confidence intervals (CI), were estimated. RESULTS The initial search returned 6416 articles, of which 17 studies, including 1830 patients, met the criteria for prevalence meta-analysis. Among them, 8 studies fitted the inclusion criterion to analyse the prognostic impact of TERT promoter mutations. Overall, 21% (95% CI: 12%-31%) of HNSCCs harboured TERT promoter mutation. TERT promoter mutations were more commonly found in oral cavity cancer (prevalence = 47%, 95% CI: 33%-61%), followed by laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer (prevalence = 12%, 95% CI: 4%-25%), while they were quite rare in oropharyngeal cancer (prevalence = 1%, 95% CI: 0%-4%). TERT promoter mutation -124 C > T was associated with a higher risk of death (sHR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.25-3.23) and progression (sHR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.77-4.40), while -146 C > T TERT promoter mutation did not show any significant correlation neither to overall nor progression-free survival. CONCLUSION TERT promoter mutations were mainly topographically restricted to oral cavity cancer. -124 C > T was the most common TERT promoter mutation and was significantly associated to worse outcome in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Egidio Sia
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Borsetto
- Department of ENT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anita De Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV- IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Giunco
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV- IRCCS, Padova, Italy
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Yeh TJ, Luo CW, Du JS, Huang CT, Wang MH, Chuang TM, Gau YC, Cho SF, Liu YC, Hsiao HH, Chen LT, Pan MR, Wang HC, Moi SH. Deciphering the Functions of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:691. [PMID: 36979671 PMCID: PMC10044978 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are among the ten leading malignancies worldwide. Despite significant progress in all therapeutic modalities, predictive biomarkers, and targeted therapies for HNCs are limited and the survival rate is unsatisfactory. The importance of telomere maintenance via telomerase reactivation in carcinogenesis has been demonstrated in recent decades. Several mechanisms could activate telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the most common of which is promoter alternation. Two major hotspot TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T) have been reported in different malignancies such as melanoma, genitourinary cancers, CNS tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid cancers, sarcomas, and HNCs. The frequencies of TERT promoter mutations vary widely across tumors and is quite high in HNCs (11.9-64.7%). These mutations have been reported to be more enriched in oral cavity SCCs and HPV-negative tumors. The association between TERT promoter mutations and poor survival has also been demonstrated. Till now, several therapeutic strategies targeting telomerase have been developed although only a few drugs have been used in clinical trials. Here, we briefly review and summarize our current understanding and evidence of TERT promoter mutations in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jang Yeh
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shiun Du
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Tzu Huang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hung Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tzer-Ming Chuang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ching Gau
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Cho
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Liu
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hua Hsiao
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Prime SS, Cirillo N, Parkinson EK. Escape from Cellular Senescence Is Associated with Chromosomal Instability in Oral Pre-Malignancy. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12010103. [PMID: 36671795 PMCID: PMC9855962 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
An escape from cellular senescence through the development of unlimited growth potential is one of the hallmarks of cancer, which is thought to be an early event in carcinogenesis. In this review, we propose that the molecular effectors of senescence, particularly the inactivation of TP53 and CDKN2A, together with telomere attrition and telomerase activation, all lead to aneuploidy in the keratinocytes from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Premalignant keratinocytes, therefore, not only become immortal but also develop genotypic and phenotypic cellular diversity. As a result of these changes, certain clonal cell populations likely gain the capacity to invade the underlying connective tissue. We review the clinical implications of these changes and highlight a new PCR-based assay to identify aneuploid cell in fluids such as saliva, a technique that is extremely sensitive and could facilitate the regular monitoring of OPMD without the need for surgical biopsies and may avoid potential biopsy sampling errors. We also draw attention to recent studies designed to eliminate aneuploid tumour cell populations that, potentially, is a new therapeutic approach to prevent malignant transformations in OPMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S. Prime
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Correspondence: (S.S.P.); (E.K.P.)
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanson Street, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - E. Kenneth Parkinson
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Correspondence: (S.S.P.); (E.K.P.)
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10
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Tornesello ML, Cerasuolo A, Starita N, Tornesello AL, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro L, Isaguliants MG, Buonaguro FM. The Molecular Interplay between Human Oncoviruses and Telomerase in Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5257. [PMID: 36358677 PMCID: PMC9659228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human oncoviruses are able to subvert telomerase function in cancer cells through multiple strategies. The activity of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (TERT) is universally enhanced in virus-related cancers. Viral oncoproteins, such as high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) LMP1, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8) LANA, hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBVx, hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) Tax protein, interact with regulatory elements in the infected cells and contribute to the transcriptional activation of TERT gene. Specifically, viral oncoproteins have been shown to bind TERT promoter, to induce post-transcriptional alterations of TERT mRNA and to cause epigenetic modifications, which have important effects on the regulation of telomeric and extra-telomeric functions of the telomerase. Other viruses, such as herpesviruses, operate by integrating their genomes within the telomeres or by inducing alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in non-ALT cells. In this review, we recapitulate on recent findings on virus-telomerase/telomeres interplay and the importance of TERT-related oncogenic pathways activated by cancer-causing viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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11
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The Drivers, Mechanisms, and Consequences of Genome Instability in HPV-Driven Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194623. [PMID: 36230545 PMCID: PMC9564061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cells infected with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) can accumulate DNA damage and eventually transform into HPV-driven cancers. Genome instability, or the progressive accumulation of DNA alterations (e.g., mutations), in HPV-infected cells is directly induced by the HPV genes and indirectly promoted by HPV infection through the consequences of chronic infection maintenance, increased cell growth, and accumulation of damaging mutations in genes that themselves affect genome instability. While the HPV genome typically exists as a separate entity within cells, genome instability increases the chances of HPV integrating within the host (human) genome, which is common in HPV-induced cancers. The DNA regions surrounding HPV integrations are unstable and can undergo complex alterations that affect both human and HPV genes. This review discusses HPV-dependent and -independent drivers and mechanisms of genome instability in HPV-driven cancers, both globally and around sites of HPV integration, and describes the changes induced in the tumour genome. Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative driver of cervical cancer and a contributing risk factor of head and neck cancer and several anogenital cancers. HPV’s ability to induce genome instability contributes to its oncogenicity. HPV genes can induce genome instability in several ways, including modulating the cell cycle to favour proliferation, interacting with DNA damage repair pathways to bring high-fidelity repair pathways to viral episomes and away from the host genome, inducing DNA-damaging oxidative stress, and altering the length of telomeres. In addition, the presence of a chronic viral infection can lead to immune responses that also cause genome instability of the infected tissue. The HPV genome can become integrated into the host genome during HPV-induced tumorigenesis. Viral integration requires double-stranded breaks on the DNA; therefore, regions around the integration event are prone to structural alterations and themselves are targets of genome instability. In this review, we present the mechanisms by which HPV-dependent and -independent genome instability is initiated and maintained in HPV-driven cancers, both across the genome and at regions of HPV integration.
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12
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Isaguliants MG, Trotsenko I, Buonaguro FM. An overview of "Chronic viral infection and cancer, openings for vaccines" virtual symposium of the TechVac Network - December 16-17, 2021. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:28. [PMID: 35804391 PMCID: PMC9263434 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a report on the research activities currently ongoing in virology, oncology and virus-associated cancers and possibilities of their treatment and prevention by vaccines and immunotherapies as outlined at the symposium “Chronic viral infection and cancer, openings for vaccines” virtually held on December 16–17, 2021. Experts from the various disciplines involved in the study of the complex relationships between solid tumors and viruses met to discuss recent developments in the field and to report their personal contributions to the specified topics. Secondary end point was to sustain the TECHVAC Network established in 2016 as a multidisciplinary work group specifically devoted to development of vaccines and immunotherapies against chronic viral infections and associated cancers, with the aim to identify areas of common interest, promote research cooperation, establish collaborative cross-border programs and projects, and to coordinate clinical and research activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Isaguliants
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. .,Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ivan Trotsenko
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fond Pascale, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Starita N, Pezzuto F, Sarno S, Losito NS, Perdonà S, Buonaguro L, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and
PIK3CA
gene are common events in penile squamous cell carcinoma of Italian and Ugandan patients. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1879-1888. [PMID: 35253909 PMCID: PMC9310576 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Penile carcinoma develops either through human papillomavirus (HPV) related or unrelated carcinogenic pathways. Genetic alterations and nucleotide changes in coding regions (ie, TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA and NOTCH1) are main cancer driver events either in HPV positive or in HPV negative tumours. We investigated the presence of hotspot nucleotide mutations in TERT promoter (TERTp) and PIK3CA exon 9 and their relationship with HPV status in 69 penile cancer cases from Italian and Ugandan patients. Genetic variations and viral sequences have been characterised by end‐point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. The mutant allele frequencies (MAFs) of TERTp −124A/−146A and PIK3CA E545K have been determined by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. The results showed that TERTp mutations are highly prevalent in penile carcinoma (53.6%) and significantly more frequent in HPV negative (67.6%) than HPV positive (32.4%) cases (P = .0482). PIK3CA mutations were similarly distributed in virus‐related and unrelated cases (25.9% and 26.7%, respectively) and coexisted with TERTp changes in 15.8% of penile carcinoma samples. Notably, MAFs of co‐occurring mutations were frequently discordant indicating that PIK3CA E545K nucleotide changes are subsequent genetic events occurring in subclones of TERTp mutated cells. The frequencies of TERTp and PIK3CA mutations were higher among Italian compared to Ugandan cases and inversely correlated with the HPV status. In conclusion, TERTp mutations are very common in penile carcinoma and their coexistence with PIK3CA in a substantial number of cases may represent a novel oncogenic synergy relevant for patient stratification and use of therapeutic strategies against new actionable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Sabrina Sarno
- Department of PathologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Nunzia Simona Losito
- Department of PathologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Urology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological ModelsIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
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14
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Gao R, Zhang X, Jin L. Adenosquamous carcinoma-like mesonephric adenocarcinoma. Pathology 2022; 54:828-830. [PMID: 35183354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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15
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Giunco S, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Rampazzo E, Tirelli G, Alessandrini L, Di Carlo R, Rossi M, Nicolai P, Menegaldo A, Carraro V, Tofanelli M, Bandolin L, Spinato G, Emanuelli E, Mantovani M, Stellin M, Bussani R, Dei Tos AP, Guido M, Morello M, Fussey J, Esposito G, Polesel J, De Rossi A. TERT Promoter Mutations and rs2853669 Polymorphism: Useful Markers for Clinical Outcome Stratification of Patients With Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:782658. [PMID: 34858860 PMCID: PMC8631274 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.782658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To date, no useful prognostic biomarker exists for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), a tumour with uncertain biological behaviour and subsequent unpredictable clinical course. We aim to investigate the prognostic significance of two recurrent somatic mutations (-124 C>T and -146 C>T) within the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene and the impact of TERT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2853669 in patients surgically treated for OCSCC. Methods The genetic frequencies of rs2853669, -124 C>T and -146 C>T as well as the telomere length were investigated in 144 tumours and 57 normal adjacent mucosal (AM) specimens from OCSCC patients. Results Forty-five tumours harboured TERT promoter mutations (31.3%), with -124 C>T and -146 C>T accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of the alterations respectively. Patients with -124 C>T TERT promoter mutated tumours had the shortest telomeres in the AM (p=0.016) and showed higher risk of local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]:2.75, p=0.0143), death (HR:2.71, p=0.0079) and disease progression (HR:2.71, p=0.0024) with the effect being potentiated by the co-occurrence of T/T genotype of rs2853669. Conclusion -124 C>T TERT promoter mutation as well as the T/T genotype of the rs2853669 SNP are attractive independent prognostic biomarkers in patients surgically treated for OCSCC, with the coexistence of these genetic variants showing a synergistic impact on the aggressiveness of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giunco
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrica Rampazzo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lara Alessandrini
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Section of Pathology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Carlo
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Treviso Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Piero Nicolai
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Menegaldo
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Valentina Carraro
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Section of Pathology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Tofanelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigia Bandolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Spinato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Enzo Emanuelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Monica Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Marco Stellin
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Rossana Bussani
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Pathology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Section of Pathology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Section of Pathology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Marzia Morello
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Jonathan Fussey
- Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Anita De Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padova, Italy
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16
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TERT Promoter Mutations Increase Sense and Antisense Transcription from the TERT Promoter. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121773. [PMID: 34944589 PMCID: PMC8698883 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chief among mechanisms of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) reactivation is the appearance of mutations in the TERT promoter. The two main TERT promoter mutations are C>T transitions located −146C>T and −124C>T upstream from the translational start site. They generate a novel Ets/TCF binding site. Both mutations are mutually exclusive and −124C>T is strikingly overrepresented in most cancers. We investigated whether this mutational bias and mutual exclusion could be due to transcriptional constraints. Methods: We compared sense and antisense transcription of a panel of TERT promoter-luciferase vectors harboring the −124C>T and -146C>T mutations alone or together. lncRNA TAPAS levels were measured by RT-PCR. Results: Both mutations generally increased TERT transcription by 2–4-fold regardless of upstream and downstream regulatory elements. The double mutant increased transcription in an additive fashion, arguing against a direct transcriptional constraint. The −146C>T mutation, alone or in combination with −124C>T, also unleashed antisense transcription. In line with this finding, lncRNA TAPAS was higher in cells with mutated TERT promoter (T98G and U87) than in cells with wild-type promoter, suggesting that lncRNA TAPAS may balance the effect of TERT promoter mutations. Conclusions: −146C>T and −124C>T TERT promoter mutations increase TERT sense and antisense transcription, and the double mutant features higher transcription levels. Increased antisense transcription may contain TERT expression within sustainable levels.
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17
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Prime SS, Cirillo N, Cheong SC, Prime MS, Parkinson EK. Targeting the genetic landscape of oral potentially malignant disorders has the potential as a preventative strategy in oral cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:102-114. [PMID: 34139286 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study reviews the molecular landscape of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). We examine the impact of tumour heterogeneity, the spectrum of driver mutations (TP53, CDKN2A, TERT, NOTCH1, AJUBA, PIK3CA, CASP8) and gene transcription on tumour progression. We comment on how some of these mutations impact cellular senescence, field cancerization and cancer stem cells. We propose that OPMD can be monitored more closely and more dynamically through the use of liquid biopsies using an appropriate biomarker of transformation. We describe new gene interactions through the use of a systems biology approach and we highlight some of the first studies to identify functional genes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We believe that this information has translational implications for the use of re-purposed existing drugs and/or new drug development. Further, we argue that the use of digital technology encompassing clinical and laboratory-based data will create relevant datasets for machine learning/artificial intelligence. We believe that therapeutic intervention at an early molecular premalignant stage should be an important preventative strategy to inhibit the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma and that this approach is applicable to other aerodigestive tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Prime
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - N Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanson Street, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, 3053, Australia.
| | - S C Cheong
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, 1 Jalan SS12/1A, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - M S Prime
- Roche Diagnostics Information Solutions, Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - E K Parkinson
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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18
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Chen X, Zhao W, Chen S, Yu D. Mutation profiles of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. ADVANCES IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adoms.2021.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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19
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Sgariglia R, Nacchio M, Migliatico I, Vigliar E, Malapelle U, Pisapia P, De Luca C, Iaccarino A, Salvatore D, Masone S, Troncone G, Bellevicine C. Moving towards a local testing solution for undetermined thyroid fine-needle aspirates: validation of a novel custom DNA-based NGS panel. J Clin Pathol 2021; 75:465-471. [PMID: 33789920 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In thyroid cytopathology, the undetermined diagnostic categories still pose diagnostic challenges. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technique for the molecular testing of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, access to such technology can be difficult because of its prohibitive cost and lack of reimbursement in countries with universal health coverage. To overcome these issues, we developed and validated a novel custom NGS panel, Nexthyro, specifically designed to target 264 clinically relevant mutations involved in thyroid tumourigenesis. Moreover, in this study, we compared its analytical performance with that of our previous molecular testing strategy. METHODS The panel, which includes 15 genes (BRAF, EIF1AX, GNAS, HRAS, IDH1, KRAS, NF2, NRAS, PIK3CA, PPM1D, PTEN, RET, DICER1, CHEK2, TERT promoter), was validated with a cell-line derived reference standard and 72 FNA archival samples previously tested with the 7-gene test. RESULTS Nexthyro yielded 100% specificity and detected mutant alleles at levels as low as 2%. Moreover, in 5/72 (7%) FNAs, it detected more clinically relevant mutations in BRAF and RAS genes compared with the 7-gene test. Nexthyro also revealed better postsequencing metrics than the previously adopted commercial 'generic' NGS panel. CONCLUSION Our comparative analysis indicates that Nexthyro is a reliable NGS panel. The study also implies that a custom-based solution for routine thyroid FNA is sustainable at the local level, allowing patients with undetermined thyroid nodules affordable access to NGS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Vigliar
- Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefania Masone
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery, General Surgery Unit, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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20
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Erkul E, Yilmaz I. TERT promoter mutation in patients with second primary of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 114:105089. [PMID: 33189577 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are characterized by genetic alterations, genomic instability and different immune defects and Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations have been found with high rates in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinomas. We presented a non-smoker, no alcohol consuming woman who had a second primary tongue SCC after four and a half years later of her first tongue SCC with TERT promoter mutation. The primary tumor and its recurrences in woman with tongue SCC who have never smoked and had no alcohol consumption may need to be differing from other tongue carcinomas. TERT promoter mutations may have a relation in etiopathogenesis of tumor and mutations need to be on mind in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Erkul
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hamidiye Medical School, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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De Gregorio V, La Rocca A, Urciuolo F, Annunziata C, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM, Netti PA, Imparato G. Modeling the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in a 3D organotypic cervical neoplasia. Acta Biomater 2020; 116:209-222. [PMID: 32911106 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Here, we proposed an innovative organotypic cervical tumor model able to investigate the bi-directional crosstalk between epithelium and stroma as well as the key disease features of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in vitro. By using a modular tissue assembling approach, we developed 3D cervical stromal models composed of primary human cervical fibroblasts (HCFs) or cervical cancer-associated fibroblasts (CCAFs) embedded in their own ECM to produce 3D normal cervical-instructed stroma (NCIS) or 3D cervical cancer-instructed stroma (CCIS), respectively. Then, we demonstrate the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in potentiating the intrinsic invasive attitude of cervical cancer derived SiHa cells and increasing their early viral gene expression by comparing the SiHa behavior when cultured on NCIS or CCIS (SiHa-NCIS or SiHa-CCIS). We proved the crucial role of the CCAFs and stromal microenvironment in the mesenchymalization of the cancer epithelial cells by analyzing several EMT markers. We further assessed the expression of the epithelial adhesion molecules, matricellular enzymes, non-collagenous proteins as well as ECM remodeling in terms of collagen fibers texture and assembly. This cervical tumor model, closely recapitulating key cervical carcinogenesis features, may provide efficient and relevant support to current approaches characterizing cancer progression and develop new anticancer therapy targeting stroma rather than cancer cells.
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Kim H, Kwon MJ, Park B, Choi HG, Nam ES, Cho SJ, Min KW, Kim ES, Hwang HS, Hong M, Koo T, Kim HJ. Negative Prognostic Implication of TERT Promoter Mutations in Human Papillomavirus-Negative Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Under the New 8th AJCC Staging System. Indian J Surg Oncol 2020; 12:134-143. [PMID: 33994739 PMCID: PMC8119516 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-020-01200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter (TERTp) mutation is a potential candidate for pathogenesis and therapeutic target of tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) in association with human papillomavirus (HPV). Their clinical relevance has not been validated under the new 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We analyzed real-time peptide nucleic acid–mediated PCR and sequencing methods (TERTp mutation) and real-time PCR-based assay (HPV) in 80 surgically resected TSCCs. The 8th edition staging system improved the stratification of the early and advanced stages and between T or N categories for overall survival over the 7th edition. TERTp mutation was found in 7.5%, and HPV in 80.0% of the patients. The majority (83.3%) of TERTp mutation cases were HPV-positive TSCCs. Applying the 8th edition staging system, TERTp mutation was an independent factor of poor prognosis for disease-free survival (DFS) in TSCC patients, supporting the clinical significance of TERTp mutation in tonsil cancer. TERTp mutations were also negatively correlated with overall survival and DFS in HPV-negative TSCCs. Conclusively, TERTp mutation provides negative prognostic impact on survival of surgically managed tonsil cancers staged with the AJCC 8th edition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunchul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7, Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 18450 Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, 22, Gwanpyeong-ro 170beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068 Republic of Korea
| | - Bumjung Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Geun Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Nam
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, 134-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, 134-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Kyoungchun-ro 153, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Sung Hwang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Mineui Hong
- Department of Pathology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Daerim 1-Dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-950 Republic of Korea
| | - Taeryool Koo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kim
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
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23
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Arantes LMRB, Cruvinel-Carloni A, de Carvalho AC, Sorroche BP, Carvalho AL, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Reis RM. TERT Promoter Mutation C228T Increases Risk for Tumor Recurrence and Death in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1275. [PMID: 32850388 PMCID: PMC7399085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is usually associated to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Increased telomerase activity has been consistently detected in 80–90% of malignant tumors, including HNSCC. Mutations within the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) that confer enhanced TERT promoter activity have been reported in two major hotspots, designated C228T and C250T. Objectives: To evaluate TERT promoter mutations C228T and C250T in HNSCC patients from Brazil and correlate with patients' outcome. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from 88 HNSCC patients and analyzed for TERT promoter mutations C228T and C250T by pyrosequencing. Results: The overall prevalence of hotspot TERT mutations in HNSCC samples was of 27.3%, with 6.8% at locus C228T and 20.5% at C250T. The majority (92%) of mutated cases were located in oral cavity, mainly at the tongue. We observed that 94.4% of the patients harboring TERT promoter mutation C250T were alcohol consumers (p = 0.032) and 66.7% of the patients harboring TERT promoter mutation C228T were not alcohol consumers (p = 0.035). The presence of C228T mutation impacted patient outcome, with a significant decrease in disease-free survival (20.0 vs. 63.0%, p =0.017) and in overall survival (16.7 vs. 45.1%, p = 0.017). Conclusion: This is the first report of a TERT promoter mutations in HNSCC patients from South America. The high prevalence of TERT mutation, as well as its association with poor disease-free survival and overall survival, particular at C228T locus might serve as a prognostic biomarker in HNSCC to help clinicians in the management of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Scapulatempo-Neto
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics Service, Diagnosticos da América-DASA, Barueri, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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24
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Yilmaz I, Erkul BE, Ozturk Sari S, Issin G, Tural E, Terzi Kaya Terzi N, Karatay H, Celik M, Ulusan M, Bilgic B. Promoter region mutations of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2020; 130:63-70. [PMID: 32404253 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of TERT promoter region mutations in tumor samples of patients with squamous cell carcinoma at different sites of the head and neck region and correlate it with patients' clinicopathologic data. STUDY DESIGN Mutations in promoter region of the TERT gene were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction-based direct sequencing method using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples of 189 HNSCCs. TERT promoter region mutations were assessed in terms of age, gender, location, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overall survival. RESULTS TERT promoter region mutations were detected in the oral cavity (75%); larynx (8.4%), hypopharynx (16.6%), and oropharynx (0%). TERT promoter region mutations are associated with younger age and female gender and have a reverse relationship with smoking and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS We found statistically significant higher rates of TERT promoter region mutations in tumor samples of patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity compared with other locations in the head and neck region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Bulent Evren Erkul
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gulhane Medical School, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sule Ozturk Sari
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Issin
- Department of Pathology, Mengucek Gazi Education and Research Hospital, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Ersin Tural
- Department of Pediatrics, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Terzi Kaya Terzi
- Department of Pathology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Karatay
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Celik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Ulusan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Bilgic
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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25
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Altamura G, Martano M, Licenziato L, Maiolino P, Borzacchiello G. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) Expression, Telomerase Activity, and Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP)-1/-2/-9 in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines Associated With Felis catus Papillomavirus Type-2 Infection. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:148. [PMID: 32292795 PMCID: PMC7118734 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity contributes to cell immortalization by avoiding telomere shortening at each cell division; indeed, its catalytic subunit telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is overexpressed in many tumors, including human oral squamous cell carcinoma (hOSCC). In these tumors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in cell migration, contribute to invasive potential of cancer cells. A proportion of hOSCC is associated with infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPVs), whose E6 oncogene enhances TERT and MMPs expression, thus promoting cancer progression. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a malignant tumor with highly invasive phenotype; however, studies on telomerase activity, TERT, and MMPs expression are scarce. In this study, we demonstrate telomerase activity, expression of TERT, and its transcriptional activator cMyc along with expression of MMP-1, -2, and -9 in FOSCC-derived cell lines SCCF2 and SCCF3, suggesting a contribution by these pathways in cell immortalization and invasion in these tumors. Recent studies suggest that a sub-group of FOSCC as well as SCCF2 and SCCF3 are associated with Felis catus PV type-2 (FcaPV-2) infection. However, in this work, FcaPV-2 E6 gene knock-down caused no shift in either TERT, cMyc, or MMPs levels, suggesting that, unlike its human counterpart, the viral oncogene plays no role in their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Altamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Martano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Licenziato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Maiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borzacchiello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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26
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The Solo Play of TERT Promoter Mutations. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030749. [PMID: 32204305 PMCID: PMC7140675 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein is the principal mechanism of telomere maintenance in cancer cells. Mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) are a common mechanism of TERT reactivation in many solid cancers, particularly those originating from slow-replicating tissues. They are associated with increased TERT levels, telomere stabilization, and cell immortalization and proliferation. Much effort has been invested in recent years in characterizing their prevalence in different cancers and their potential as biomarkers for tumor stratification, as well as assessing their molecular mechanism of action, but much remains to be understood. Notably, they appear late in cell transformation and are mutually exclusive with each other as well as with other telomere maintenance mechanisms, indicative of overlapping selective advantages and of a strict regulation of TERT expression levels. In this review, we summarized the latest literature on the role and prevalence of TERTp mutations across different cancer types, highlighting their biased distribution. We then discussed the need to maintain TERT levels at sufficient levels to immortalize cells and promote proliferation while remaining within cell sustainability levels. A better understanding of TERT regulation is crucial when considering its use as a possible target in antitumor strategies.
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Tornesello ML, Faraonio R, Buonaguro L, Annunziata C, Starita N, Cerasuolo A, Pezzuto F, Tornesello AL, Buonaguro FM. The Role of microRNAs, Long Non-coding RNAs, and Circular RNAs in Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:150. [PMID: 32154165 PMCID: PMC7044410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged infection of uterine cervix epithelium with human papillomavirus (HPV) and constitutive expression of viral oncogenes have been recognized as the main cause of the complex molecular changes leading to transformation of cervical epithelial cells. Deregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and circular RNAs (circRNA) is involved in the initiation and promotion processes of cervical cancer development. Expression profiling of small RNAs in cervical neoplasia revealed up-regulated “oncogenic” miRNAs, such as miR-10a, miR-21, miR-19, and miR-146a, and down regulated “tumor suppressive” miRNAs, including miR-29a, miR-372, miR-214, and miR-218, associated with cell growth, malignant transformation, cell migration, and invasion. Also several lncRNAs, comprising among others HOTAIR, MALAT1, GAS5, and MEG3, have shown to be associated with various pathogenic processes such as tumor progression, invasion as well as therapeutic resistance and emerged as new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cervical cancer. Moreover, human genes encoded circular RNAs, such as has_circ-0018289, have shown to sponge specific miRNAs and to concur to the deregulation of target genes. Viral encoded circE7 has also demonstrated to overexpress E7 oncoprotein thus contributing to cell transformation. In this review, we summarize current literature on the complex interplay between miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs and their role in cervical neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Faraonio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Clorinda Annunziata
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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28
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TERT promoter hotspot mutations and their relationship with TERT levels and telomere erosion in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:381-389. [PMID: 31960186 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the prevalence of two recurrent somatic mutations (-124 C>T and -146 C>T) within the promoter of the gene encoding telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as well as their relationship with TERT level, telomeres length, and outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). METHODS We evaluate the prevalence of TERT promoter mutations, TERT levels, and telomere length in paired cancer tissue and adjacent mucosa (AM) in a series of HNSCCs. RESULTS Cancer tissue and AM specimens from 105 patients were analyzed. Telomere length and TERT mRNA levels were estimated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. TERT promoter mutations were assessed using Sanger sequencing. Out of 105 cases, 101 were considered suitable for the analysis. TERT promoter harbored mutations in 12 tumors (11.9%), with -124 C>T and -146 C>T accounting for 83.3% and 16.7% of the alterations, respectively. No mutations were detected in AM samples. The prevalence of TERT promoter mutations was significantly higher in oral cavity SCCs (10 out of 27 tumors; 37%), and telomere length in AM was shorter in patients with tumors carrying TERT promoter mutations than in patients with unmutated TERT promoter cancers (p = 0.023). TERT levels in tumor did not significantly differ according to the mutational status of TERT promoter. No significant association was found between TERT promoter status and overall survival. CONCLUSION TERT promoter mutations are most likely a late event in tumor development, occurring in a context of critically short telomeres, mostly in patients with oral cavity SCC. TERT levels, but not TERT promoter mutational status impact clinical outcome.
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