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Wu K, Jiang H, Hicks DR, Liu C, Muratspahic E, Ramelot TA, Liu Y, McNally K, Gaur A, Coventry B, Chen W, Bera AK, Kang A, Gerben S, Lamb MYL, Murray A, Li X, Kennedy MA, Yang W, Schober G, Brierley SM, Gelb MH, Montelione GT, Derivery E, Baker D. Sequence-specific targeting of intrinsically disordered protein regions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.15.603480. [PMID: 39071356 PMCID: PMC11275711 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.15.603480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
A general approach to design proteins that bind tightly and specifically to intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins and flexible peptides would have wide application in biological research, therapeutics, and diagnosis. However, the lack of defined structures and the high variability in sequence and conformational preferences has complicated such efforts. We sought to develop a method combining biophysical principles with deep learning to readily generate binders for any disordered sequence. Instead of assuming a fixed regular structure for the target, general recognition is achieved by threading the query sequence through diverse extended binding modes in hundreds of templates with varying pocket depths and spacings, followed by RFdiffusion refinement to optimize the binder-target fit. We tested the method by designing binders to 39 highly diverse unstructured targets. Experimental testing of ~36 designs per target yielded binders with affinities better than 100 nM in 34 cases, and in the pM range in four cases. The co-crystal structure of a designed binder in complex with dynorphin A is closely consistent with the design model. All by all binding experiments for 20 designs binding diverse targets show they are highly specific for the intended targets, with no crosstalk even for the closely related dynorphin A and dynorphin B. Our approach thus could provide a general solution to the intrinsically disordered protein and peptide recognition problem.
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2
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Han T, Zhu T, Lu Y, Wang Q, Bian H, Chen J, Qiao L, He TC, Zheng Q. Collagen type X expression and chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation during OA and OS development. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1784-1801. [PMID: 38726262 PMCID: PMC11076255 DOI: 10.62347/jwgw7377] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chondrocyte hypertrophy and the expression of its specific marker, the collagen type X gene (COL10A1), constitute key terminal differentiation stages during endochondral ossification in long bone development. Mutations in the COL10A1 gene are known to cause schmid type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD) and spondyloepiphyseal dyschondrodysplasia (SMD). Moreover, abnormal COL10A1 expression and aberrant chondrocyte hypertrophy are strongly correlated with skeletal diseases, notably osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS). Throughout the progression of OA, articular chondrocytes undergo substantial changes in gene expression and phenotype, including a transition to a hypertrophic-like state characterized by the expression of collagen type X, matrix metalloproteinase-13, and alkaline phosphatase. This state is similar to the process of endochondral ossification during cartilage development. OS, the most common pediatric bone cancer, exhibits characteristics of abnormal bone formation alongside the presence of tumor tissue containing cartilaginous components. This observation suggests a potential role for chondrogenesis in the development of OS. A deeper understanding of the shifts in collagen X expression and chondrocyte hypertrophy phenotypes in OA or OS may offer novel insights into their pathogenesis, thereby paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions. This review systematically summarizes the findings from multiple OA models (e.g., transgenic, surgically-induced, mechanically-loaded, and chemically-induced OA models), with a particular focus on their chondrogenic and/or hypertrophic phenotypes and possible signaling pathways. The OS phenotypes and pathogenesis in relation to chondrogenesis, collagen X expression, chondrocyte (hypertrophic) differentiation, and their regulatory mechanisms were also discussed. Together, this review provides novel insights into OA and OS therapeutics, possibly by intervening the process of abnormal endochondral-like pathway with altered collagen type X expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiaotiao Han
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhu
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaojuan Lu
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
- Shenzhen Walgenron Bio-Pharm Co., Ltd.Shenzhen 518118, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiqin Bian
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinnan Chen
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longwei Qiao
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- The Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical CenterChicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Qiping Zheng
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
- Shenzhen Walgenron Bio-Pharm Co., Ltd.Shenzhen 518118, Guangdong, China
- The Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical CenterChicago, IL 60637, USA
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3
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Ceranski AK, Carreño-Gonzalez MJ, Ehlers AC, Colombo MV, Cidre-Aranaz F, Grünewald TGP. Hypoxia and HIFs in Ewing sarcoma: new perspectives on a multi-facetted relationship. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:49. [PMID: 36915100 PMCID: PMC10010019 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01750-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia develops during the growth of solid tumors and influences tumoral activity in multiple ways. Low oxygen tension is also present in the bone microenvironment where Ewing sarcoma (EwS) - a highly aggressive pediatric cancer - mainly arises. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1-a) is the principal molecular mediator of the hypoxic response in cancer whereas EWSR1::FLI1 constitutes the oncogenic driver of EwS. Interaction of the two proteins has been shown in EwS. Although a growing body of studies investigated hypoxia and HIFs in EwS, their precise role for EwS pathophysiology is not clarified to date. This review summarizes and structures recent findings demonstrating that hypoxia and HIFs play a role in EwS at multiple levels. We propose to view hypoxia and HIFs as independent protagonists in the story of EwS and give a perspective on their potential clinical relevance as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in EwS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Katharina Ceranski
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martha J Carreño-Gonzalez
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna C Ehlers
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Vittoria Colombo
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Regenerative Medicine Technologies Laboratory, Laboratories for Translational Research (LRT), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via F. Chiesa 5, CH-6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Department of Surgery, Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico Di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research (B410), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Korsching E, Matschke J, Hotfilder M. Splice variants denote differences between a cancer stem cell side population of EWSR1‑ERG‑based Ewing sarcoma cells, its main population and EWSR1‑FLI‑based cells. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:39. [PMID: 35088879 PMCID: PMC8815407 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a challenging cancer entity, which, besides the characteristic presence of a fusion gene, is driven by multiple alternative splicing events. So far, splice variants in Ewing sarcoma cells were mainly analyzed for EWSR1‑FLI1. The present study provided a comprehensive alternative splicing study on CADO‑ES1, an Ewing model cell line for an EWSR1‑ERG fusion gene. Based on a well‑-characterized RNA‑sequencing dataset with extensive control mechanisms across all levels of analysis, the differential spliced genes in Ewing cancer stem cells were ATP13A3 and EPB41, while the main population was defined by ACADVL, NOP58 and TSPAN3. All alternatively spliced genes were further characterized by their Gene Ontology (GO) terms and by their membership in known protein complexes. These results confirm and extend previous studies towards a systematic whole‑transcriptome analysis. A highlight is the striking segregation of GO terms associated with five basic splice events. This mechanistic insight, together with a coherent integration of all observations with prior knowledge, indicates that EWSR1‑ERG is truly a close twin to EWSR1‑FLI1, but still exhibits certain individuality. Thus, the present study provided a measure of variability in Ewing sarcoma, whose understanding is essential both for clinical procedures and basic mechanistic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Korsching
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, D‑48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Matschke
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, D‑48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marc Hotfilder
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, D‑48149 Münster, Germany
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5
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Dao L, Ragoonanan D, Batth I, Satelli A, Foglesong J, Wang J, Zaky W, Gill JB, Liu D, Albert A, Gordon N, Huh W, Harrison D, Herzog C, Kleinerman E, Gorlick R, Daw N, Li S. Prognostic Value of Cell-Surface Vimentin-Positive CTCs in Pediatric Sarcomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:760267. [PMID: 34956881 PMCID: PMC8695931 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760267] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in care, the 5 year overall survival for patients with relapsed and or metastatic sarcoma remains as low as < 35%. Currently, there are no biomarkers available to assess disease status in patients with sarcomas and as such, disease surveillance remains reliant on serial imaging which increases the risk of secondary malignancies and heightens patient anxiety. METHODS Here, for the first time reported in the literature, we have enumerated the cell surface vimentin (CSV+) CTCs in the blood of 92 sarcoma pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients as a possible marker of disease. RESULTS We constructed a ROC with an AUC of 0.831 resulting in a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 75%. Additionally, patients who were deemed to be CSV+ CTC positive were found to have a worse overall survival compared to those who were CSV+ CTC negative. We additionally found the use of available molecular testing increased the accuracy of our diagnostic and prognostic tests. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CSV+ CTCs have prognostic value and can possibly serve as a measure of disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Dao
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dristhi Ragoonanan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Izhar Batth
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Arun Satelli
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jessica Foglesong
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wafik Zaky
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan B. Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Diane Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Aisha Albert
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nancy Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Winston Huh
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Douglas Harrison
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cynthia Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eugenie Kleinerman
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Richard Gorlick
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Najat Daw
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Shulin Li,
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Ramachandran B, Rajkumar T, Gopisetty G. Challenges in modeling EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model for Ewing sarcoma. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:12181-12194. [PMID: 34956445 PMCID: PMC8661172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
EWS-FLI1 is a master regulator of Ewing sarcoma (ES) oncogenesis. Although EWS-FLI1 represents a clear therapeutic target, targeted therapeutic inhibitors are lacking. Scientific literature has indicated accumulating information pertaining to EWS-FLI1 translocation, pathogenesis, function, oncogenic partnerships, and potential clinical relevance. However, attempts to develop EWS-FLI1-driven human-like ES mouse models or in vivo systems ended up with limited success. Establishing such models as preclinical screening tools may accelerate the development of EWS-FLI1 targeted therapeutic inhibitors. This review summarizes the current scenario, which focuses on the limitations, challenges, and possible reasons for past failures in model development and also plausible interim alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramachandran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Thangarajan Rajkumar
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Gopal Gopisetty
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
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7
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Ban J, Fock V, Aryee DNT, Kovar H. Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Metastases. Cells 2021; 10:2944. [PMID: 34831167 PMCID: PMC8616226 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and bone marrow are among the most frequent metastatic sites of cancer. The occurrence of bone metastasis is frequently associated with a dismal disease outcome. The prevention and therapy of bone metastases is a priority in the treatment of cancer patients. However, current therapeutic options for patients with bone metastatic disease are limited in efficacy and associated with increased morbidity. Therefore, most current therapies are mainly palliative in nature. A better understanding of the underlying molecular pathways of the bone metastatic process is warranted to develop novel, well-tolerated and more successful treatments for a significant improvement of patients' quality of life and disease outcome. In this review, we provide comparative mechanistic insights into the bone metastatic process of various solid tumors, including pediatric cancers. We also highlight current and innovative approaches to biologically targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In particular, we discuss the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the attraction, homing, dormancy and outgrowth of metastatic tumor cells and the ensuing therapeutic implications. Multiple signaling pathways have been described to contribute to metastatic spread to the bone of specific cancer entities, with most knowledge derived from the study of breast and prostate cancer. However, it is likely that similar mechanisms are involved in different types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, primary bone sarcomas and neuroblastoma. The metastatic rate-limiting interaction of tumor cells with the various cellular and noncellular components of the bone-marrow niche provides attractive therapeutic targets, which are already partially exploited by novel promising immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Ban
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.B.); (V.F.); (D.N.T.A.)
| | - Valerie Fock
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.B.); (V.F.); (D.N.T.A.)
| | - Dave N. T. Aryee
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.B.); (V.F.); (D.N.T.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.B.); (V.F.); (D.N.T.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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8
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Markey FB, Romero B, Parashar V, Batish M. Identification of a New Transcriptional Co-Regulator of STEAP1 in Ewing's Sarcoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061300. [PMID: 34073779 PMCID: PMC8225120 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is caused by a chromosomal translocation leading to the formation of the fused EWSFLI1 gene, which codes for an aberrant transcription factor EWSFLI1. The transcriptional targets of EWSFLI1 have been viewed as promising and novel drug targets in the treatment of ES. One such target is six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), a transmembrane protein that is upregulated by EWSFLI1 in ES. STEAP1 is a hallmark of tumor invasiveness and an indicator of tumor responsiveness to therapy. EWSFLI1 binds to the STEAP1 promoter region, but the mechanism of action by which it upregulates STEAP1 expression in ES is not entirely understood. Upon analysis of the STEAP1 promoter, we predicted two binding sites for NKX2.2, another crucial transcription factor involved in ES pathogenesis. We confirmed the interaction of NKX2.2 with the STEAP1 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. We used single-molecule RNA imaging, biochemical, and genetic studies to identify the novel role of NKX2.2 in regulating STEAP1 expression in ES. Our results show that NKX2.2 is a co-regulator of STEAP1 expression and functions by interacting with the STEAP1 promoter at sites proximal to the reported EWSFLI1 sites. The co-operative interaction of NKX2.2 with EWSFLI1 in regulating STEAP1 holds potential as a new target for therapeutic interventions for ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatu Badiane Markey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Brigette Romero
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Vijay Parashar
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-302-831-8591
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9
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Su XA, Ma D, Parsons JV, Replogle JM, Amatruda JF, Whittaker CA, Stegmaier K, Amon A. RAD21 is a driver of chromosome 8 gain in Ewing sarcoma to mitigate replication stress. Genes Dev 2021; 35:556-572. [PMID: 33766983 PMCID: PMC8015718 DOI: 10.1101/gad.345454.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Su et al. investigate why ∼50% of Ewing sarcomas, driven by the EWS-FLI1 fusion oncogene, harbor chromosome 8 gains. Using an evolution approach, they show that trisomy 8 mitigates EWS-FLI1-induced replication stress through gain of a copy of RAD21, and deleting one copy of RAD21 in trisomy 8 cells largely neutralizes the fitness benefit of chromosome 8 gain and reduces tumorgenicity of a Ewing sarcoma cancer cell line in soft agar assays. Aneuploidy, defined as whole-chromosome gain or loss, causes cellular stress but, paradoxically, is a frequent occurrence in cancers. Here, we investigate why ∼50% of Ewing sarcomas, driven by the EWS-FLI1 fusion oncogene, harbor chromosome 8 gains. Expression of the EWS-FLI1 fusion in primary cells causes replication stress that can result in cellular senescence. Using an evolution approach, we show that trisomy 8 mitigates EWS-FLI1-induced replication stress through gain of a copy of RAD21. Low-level ectopic expression of RAD21 is sufficient to dampen replication stress and improve proliferation in EWS-FLI1-expressing cells. Conversely, deleting one copy in trisomy 8 cells largely neutralizes the fitness benefit of chromosome 8 gain and reduces tumorgenicity of a Ewing sarcoma cancer cell line in soft agar assays. We propose that RAD21 promotes tumorigenesis through single gene copy gain. Such genes may explain some recurrent aneuploidies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng A Su
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Duanduan Ma
- The Barbara K. Ostrom (1978) Bioinformatics and Computing Facility, Swanson Biotechnology Center, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - James V Parsons
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - John M Replogle
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - James F Amatruda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Charles A Whittaker
- The Barbara K. Ostrom (1978) Bioinformatics and Computing Facility, Swanson Biotechnology Center, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,The Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Angelika Amon
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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10
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Hou C, Mandal A, Rohr J, Tsodikov OV. Allosteric interference in oncogenic FLI1 and ERG transactions by mithramycins. Structure 2020; 29:404-412.e4. [PMID: 33275876 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ETS family transcription factors of ERG and FLI1 play a key role in oncogenesis of prostate cancer and Ewing sarcoma by binding regulatory DNA sites and interfering with function of other factors. Mithramycin (MTM) is an anti-cancer, DNA binding natural product that functions as a potent antagonist of ERG and FLI1 by an unknown mechanism. We present a series of crystal structures of the DNA binding domain (DBD) of ERG/FLI1 culminating in a structure of a high-order complex of the ERG/FLI1 DBD, transcription factor Runx2, core-binding factor beta (Cbfβ), and MTM on a DNA enhancer site, along with supporting DNA binding studies using MTM and its analogues. Taken together, these data provide insight into allosteric mechanisms underlying ERG and FLI1 transactions and their disruption by MTM analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Abhisek Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jürgen Rohr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Oleg V Tsodikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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11
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Theisen ER, Miller KR, Showpnil IA, Taslim C, Pishas KI, Lessnick SL. Transcriptomic analysis functionally maps the intrinsically disordered domain of EWS/FLI and reveals novel transcriptional dependencies for oncogenesis. Genes Cancer 2019; 10:21-38. [PMID: 30899417 PMCID: PMC6420793 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the pathognomic fusion oncoprotein that drives Ewing sarcoma. The amino-terminal EWS portion coordinates transcriptional regulation and the carboxy-terminal FLI portion contains an ETS DNA-binding domain. EWS/FLI acts as an aberrant transcription factor, orchestrating a complex mix of gene activation and repression, from both high affinity ETS motifs and repetitive GGAA-microsatellites. Our overarching hypothesis is that executing multi-faceted transcriptional regulation requires EWS/FLI to use distinct molecular mechanisms at different loci. Many attempts have been made to map distinct functions to specific features of the EWS domain, but described deletion mutants are either fully active or completely "dead" and other approaches have been limited by the repetitive and disordered nature of the EWS domain. Here, we use transcriptomic approaches to show an EWS/FLI mutant, called DAF, previously thought to be nonfunctional, displays context-dependent and partial transcriptional activity but lacks transforming capacity. Using transcriptomic and phenotypic anchorage-independent growth profiles of other EWS/FLI mutants coupled with reported EWS/FLI localization data, we have mapped the critical structure-function requirements of the EWS domain for EWS/FLI-mediated oncogenesis. This approach defined unique classes of EWS/FLI response elements and revealed novel structure-function relationships required for EWS/FLI activation at these response elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyle R Miller
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Iftekhar A Showpnil
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood & Marrow Transplant, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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12
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Minas TZ, Surdez D, Javaheri T, Tanaka M, Howarth M, Kang HJ, Han J, Han ZY, Sax B, Kream BE, Hong SH, Çelik H, Tirode F, Tuckermann J, Toretsky JA, Kenner L, Kovar H, Lee S, Sweet-Cordero EA, Nakamura T, Moriggl R, Delattre O, Üren A. Combined experience of six independent laboratories attempting to create an Ewing sarcoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34141-34163. [PMID: 27191748 PMCID: PMC5470957 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) involves a tumor-specific chromosomal translocation that produces the EWS-FLI1 protein, which is required for the growth of ES cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, an EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model is not currently available. Here, we present data from six independent laboratories seeking an alternative approach to express EWS-FLI1 in different murine tissues. We used the Runx2, Col1a2.3, Col1a3.6, Prx1, CAG, Nse, NEFL, Dermo1, P0, Sox9 and Osterix promoters to target EWS-FLI1 or Cre expression. Additional approaches included the induction of an endogenous chromosomal translocation, in utero knock-in, and the injection of Cre-expressing adenovirus to induce EWS-FLI1 expression locally in multiple lineages. Most models resulted in embryonic lethality or developmental defects. EWS-FLI1-induced apoptosis, promoter leakiness, the lack of potential cofactors, and the difficulty of expressing EWS-FLI1 in specific sites were considered the primary reasons for the failed attempts to create a transgenic mouse model of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsion Zewdu Minas
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Didier Surdez
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | | | - Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michelle Howarth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Hong-Jun Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Jenny Han
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Zhi-Yan Han
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Sax
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara E Kream
- Department of Medicine, and Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Science Center, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Sung-Hyeok Hong
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Haydar Çelik
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Franck Tirode
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathology of Laboratory Animals (UPLA), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sean Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - E Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,Unité de génétique somatique, Institut Curie, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Building upon preclinical advances, we are uncovering immunotherapy strategies that are translating into improved outcomes in tumor subsets. Advanced pediatric solid tumors carry poor prognoses and resultant robust efforts to apply immunotherapy advances to pediatric solid tumors are in progress. Here, we discuss recent developments in the field using mAb and mAb-based therapies including checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). RECENT FINDINGS The pediatric solid tumor mAb experience targeting the diganglioside, GD2, for patients with neuroblastoma has been the most compelling to date. GD2 and alternative antigen-specific mAbs are now being incorporated into antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and CARs for treatment of solid tumors. CARs in pediatric solid tumors have not yet achieved comparative responses to the hematologic CAR experience; however, novel strategies such as bispecific targeting, intratumoral administration and improved understanding of T-cell biology may yield enhanced CAR-efficacy. Therapeutic effect using single-agent checkpoint blocking antibodies in pediatric solid tumors also remains limited to date. Combinatorial strategies continue to hold promise and the clinical effect in tumor subsets with high antigenic burden is being explored. SUMMARY Pediatric immunotherapy remains at early stages of translation, yet we anticipate that with advanced technology, we will achieve widespread, efficacious use of immunotherapy for pediatric solid tumors.
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14
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von Heyking K, Roth L, Ertl M, Schmidt O, Calzada-Wack J, Neff F, Lawlor ER, Burdach S, Richter GH. The posterior HOXD locus: Its contribution to phenotype and malignancy of Ewing sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:41767-41780. [PMID: 27363011 PMCID: PMC5173095 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microarray analysis revealed genes of the posterior HOXD locus normally involved in bone formation to be over-expressed in primary Ewing sarcoma (ES). The expression of posterior HOXD genes was not influenced via ES pathognomonic EWS/ETS translocations. However, knock down of the dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 2 (DKK2) resulted in a significant suppression of HOXD10, HOXD11 and HOXD13 while over-expression of DKK2 and stimulation with factors of the WNT signaling pathway such as WNT3a, WNT5a or WNT11 increased their expression. RNA interference demonstrated that individual HOXD genes promoted chondrogenic differentiation potential, and enhanced expression of the bone-associated gene RUNX2. Furthermore, HOXD genes increased the level of the osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific genes, osteocalcin (BGLAP) and platelet-derived growth factor beta polypeptide (PDGFB), and may further regulate endochondral bone development via induction of parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH). Additionally, HOXD11 and HOXD13 promoted contact independent growth of ES, while in vitro invasiveness of ES lines was enhanced by all 3 HOXD genes investigated and seemed mediated via matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1). Consequently, knock down of HOXD11 or HOXD13 significantly suppressed lung metastasis in a xeno-transplant model in immune deficient mice, providing overall evidence that posterior HOXD genes promote clonogenicity and metastatic potential of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina von Heyking
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Roth
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Ertl
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Oxana Schmidt
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Calzada-Wack
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Frauke Neff
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elizabeth R Lawlor
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Guenther Hs Richter
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Transplantation Biology, Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCM), and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
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15
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Biomechanical regulation of drug sensitivity in an engineered model of human tumor. Biomaterials 2017; 150:150-161. [PMID: 29040875 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Predictive testing of anticancer drugs remains a challenge. Bioengineered systems, designed to mimic key aspects of the human tumor microenvironment, are now improving our understanding of cancer biology and facilitating clinical translation. We show that mechanical signals have major effects on cancer drug sensitivity, using a bioengineered model of human bone sarcoma. Ewing sarcoma (ES) cells were studied within a three-dimensional (3D) matrix in a bioreactor providing mechanical loadings. Mimicking bone-like mechanical signals within the 3D model, we rescued the ERK1/2-RUNX2 signaling pathways leading to drug resistance. By culturing patient-derived tumor cells in the model, we confirmed the effects of mechanical signals on cancer cell survival and drug sensitivity. Analyzing human microarray datasets, we showed that RUNX2 expression is linked to poor survival in ES patients. Mechanical loadings that activated signal transduction pathways promoted drug resistance, stressing the importance of introducing mechanobiological cues into preclinical tumor models for drug screening.
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16
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Schwentner R, Herrero-Martin D, Kauer MO, Mutz CN, Katschnig AM, Sienski G, Alonso J, Aryee DNT, Kovar H. The role of miR-17-92 in the miRegulatory landscape of Ewing sarcoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:10980-10993. [PMID: 28030800 PMCID: PMC5355239 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs serve to fine-tune gene expression and play an important regulatory role in tissue specific gene networks. The identification and validation of miRNA target genes in a tissue still poses a significant problem since the presence of a seed sequence in the 3′UTR of an mRNA and its expression modulation upon ectopic expression of the miRNA do not reliably predict regulation under physiological conditions. The chimeric oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 is the driving pathogenic force in Ewing sarcoma. MiR-17-92, one of the most potent oncogenic miRNAs, was recently reported to be among the top EWS-FLI1 activated miRNAs. Using a combination of AGO2 pull-down experiments by PAR-CLIP (Photoactivatable-Ribonucleoside-Enhanced Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation) and of RNAseq upon miRNA depletion by ectopic sponge expression, we aimed to identify the targetome of miR-17-92 in Ewing sarcoma. Intersecting both datasets we found an enrichment of PAR-CLIP hits for members of the miR-17-92 cluster in the 3′UTRs of genes up-regulated in response to mir-17-92 specific sponge expression. Strikingly, approximately a quarter of these genes annotate to the TGFB/BMP pathway, the majority mapping downstream of SMAD signaling. Testing for SMAD phosphorylation, we identify quiet but activatable TGFB signaling and cell autonomous activity of the BMP pathway resulting in the activation of the stemness regulatory transcriptional repressors ID1 and ID3. Taken together, our findings shed light on the complex miRegulatory landscape of Ewing Sarcoma pointing miR-17-92 as a key node connected to TGFB/BMP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Schwentner
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - David Herrero-Martin
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria.,Present address: Sarcoma research group, Molecular Oncology Lab, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 08908, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maximilian O Kauer
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Cornelia N Mutz
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Anna M Katschnig
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Grzegorz Sienski
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter Campus, 1030 Vienna, Austria.,Present address: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dave N T Aryee
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna 1090, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University, Vienna 1090, Austria
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17
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Increased survival and cell cycle progression pathways are required for EWS/FLI1-induced malignant transformation. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2419. [PMID: 27735950 PMCID: PMC5133963 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most frequent childhood bone cancer driven by the EWS/FLI1 (EF) fusion protein. Genetically defined ES models are needed to understand how EF expression changes bone precursor cell differentiation, how ES arises and through which mechanisms of inhibition it can be targeted. We used mesenchymal Prx1-directed conditional EF expression in mice to study bone development and to establish a reliable sarcoma model. EF expression arrested early chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation due to changed signaling pathways such as hedgehog, WNT or growth factor signaling. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing EF showed high self-renewal capacity and maintained an undifferentiated state despite high apoptosis. Blocking apoptosis through enforced BCL2 family member expression in MSCs promoted efficient and rapid sarcoma formation when transplanted to immunocompromised mice. Mechanistically, high BCL2 family member and CDK4, but low P53 and INK4A protein expression synergized in Ewing-like sarcoma development. Functionally, knockdown of Mcl1 or Cdk4 or their combined pharmacologic inhibition resulted in growth arrest and apoptosis in both established human ES cell lines and EF-transformed mouse MSCs. Combinatorial targeting of survival and cell cycle progression pathways could counteract this aggressive childhood cancer.
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18
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Noh BJ, Sung JY, Kim YW, Araujo ES, Kalil RK, Jung WW, Kim HS, Park YK. Clinicopathological implications of GNAS in Ewing sarcoma. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:4077-4082. [PMID: 27313744 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine whether guanine nucleotide-binding protein α stimulating (GNAS) gene expression correlates with pathognomonic signs by analyzing the mutations, methylation status and G-protein α subunit (Gsα) expression of GNAS in Ewing sarcoma (ES). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 77 patients with primary ES were obtained in South Korea, Argentina and Brazil, and were studied via methylation chip assay and direct sequencing of the GNAS gene and immunohistochemical analysis of Gsα. The mutation and methylation statuses of the GNAS gene were examined. Immunohistochemical results were measured with respect to proportion and staining intensity. The results revealed that GNAS genes in ES tumor samples were less methylated compared with normal controls. No mutations were detected at exons 8 or 9 of the GNAS locus complex on chromosome 20q13.3, indicating that the pathogenesis of ES was not associated with GNAS mutation. Gsα expression correlated well with the methylation status of the GNAS gene. Notably, high Gsα expression was detected more frequently in samples from living patients than from decedents, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.055). In conclusion, GNAS mutation is not associated with the pathogenesis of ES tumors. This finding may be used to differentiate ES tumors from metastatic bone lesions with morphological similarity to ES tumors. Analysis of the methylation status of the GNAS gene and immunohistochemical Gsα expression suggests that hypermethylated GNAS (low Gsα expression) in ES may be associated with unfavorable progression with a non-significant trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Joo Noh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Sung
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Wha Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eduardo Santini Araujo
- Laboratory of Orthopedic Pathology, Central Army Hospital, Buenos Aires C1426BOR, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Karam Kalil
- Molecular Pathology Division, SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals, Brasilia 70335-901, Brazil
| | - Woon-Won Jung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02708, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Cheongju University, Chungcheongbuk 28503 Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Koo Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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19
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Komura S, Semi K, Itakura F, Shibata H, Ohno T, Hotta A, Woltjen K, Yamamoto T, Akiyama H, Yamada Y. An EWS-FLI1-Induced Osteosarcoma Model Unveiled a Crucial Role of Impaired Osteogenic Differentiation on Osteosarcoma Development. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 6:592-606. [PMID: 26997645 PMCID: PMC4834047 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS-FLI1, a multi-functional fusion oncogene, is exclusively detected in Ewing sarcomas. However, previous studies reported that rare varieties of osteosarcomas also harbor EWS-ETS family fusion. Here, using the doxycycline-inducible EWS-FLI1 system, we established an EWS-FLI1-dependent osteosarcoma model from murine bone marrow stromal cells. We revealed that the withdrawal of EWS-FLI1 expression enhances the osteogenic differentiation of sarcoma cells, leading to mature bone formation. Taking advantage of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, we also show that sarcoma-derived iPSCs with cancer-related genetic abnormalities exhibited an impaired differentiation program of osteogenic lineage irrespective of the EWS-FLI1 expression. Finally, we demonstrate that EWS-FLI1 contributed to secondary sarcoma development from the sarcoma iPSCs after osteogenic differentiation. These findings demonstrate that modulating cellular differentiation is a fundamental principle of EWS-FLI1-induced osteosarcoma development. This in vitro cancer model using sarcoma iPSCs should provide a unique platform for dissecting relationships between the cancer genome and cellular differentiation. EWS-FLI1 induces small-cell osteosarcoma from murine bone marrow stromal cells EWS-FLI1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation of sarcoma cells in vivo Modulating differentiation is a fundamental principle of osteosarcoma development Sarcoma iPSCs should provide a unique platform for dissecting cancer biology
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Komura
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Katsunori Semi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Itakura
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shibata
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Ohno
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemach, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Oncology, Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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20
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Bledsoe KL, McGee-Lawrence ME, Camilleri ET, Wang X, Riester SM, van Wijnen AJ, Oliveira AM, Westendorf JJ. RUNX3 facilitates growth of Ewing sarcoma cells. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:2049-56. [PMID: 24812032 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric small round cell tumor that predominantly occurs in bone. Approximately 85% of Ewing sarcomas harbor the EWS/FLI fusion protein, which arises from a chromosomal translocation, t(11:22)(q24:q12). EWS/FLI interacts with numerous lineage-essential transcription factors to maintain mesenchymal progenitors in an undifferentiated state. We previously showed that EWS/FLI binds the osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2 and prevents osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of another Runt-domain protein, RUNX3, in Ewing sarcoma. RUNX3 participates in mesenchymal-derived bone formation and is a context dependent tumor suppressor and oncogene. RUNX3 was detected in all Ewing sarcoma cells examined, whereas RUNX2 was detected in only 73% of specimens. Like RUNX2, RUNX3 binds to EWS/FLI via its Runt domain. EWS/FLI prevented RUNX3 from activating the transcription of a RUNX-responsive reporter, p6OSE2. Stable suppression of RUNX3 expression in the Ewing sarcoma cell line A673 delayed colony growth in anchorage independent soft agar assays and reversed expression of EWS/FLI-responsive genes. These results demonstrate an important role for RUNX3 in Ewing sarcoma.
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Developmental pathways hijacked by osteosarcoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 804:93-118. [PMID: 24924170 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04843-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer of any type often can be described by an arrest, alteration or disruption in the normal development of a tissue or organ, and understanding of the normal counterpart's development can aid in understanding the malignant state. This is certainly true for osteosarcoma and the normal developmental pathways that guide osteoblast development that are changed in the genesis of osteogenic sarcoma. A carefully regulated crescendo-decrescendo expression of RUNX2 accompanies the transition from mesenchymal stem cell to immature osteoblast to mature osteoblast. This pivotal role is controlled by several pathways, including bone morphogenic protein (BMP), Wnt/β-catenin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and protein kinase C (PKC). The HIPPO pathway and its downstream target YAP help to regulate proliferation of immature osteoblasts and their maturation into non-proliferating mature osteoblasts. This pathway also helps regulate expression of the mature osteoblast protein osteocalcin. YAP also regulates expression of MT1-MMP, a membrane-bound matrix metalloprotease responsible for remodeling the extracellular matrix surrounding the osteoblasts. YAP, in turn, can be regulated by the ERBB family protein Her-4. Osteosarcoma may be thought of as a cell held at the immature osteoblast stage, retaining some of the characteristics of that developmental stage. Disruptions of several of these pathways have been described in osteosarcoma, including BMP, Wnt/b-catenin, RUNX2, HIPPO/YAP, and Her-4. Further, PKC can be activated by several receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in osteosarcoma, including the ERBB family (EGFR, Her-2 and Her-4 in osteosarcoma), IGF1R, FGF, and others. Understanding these functions may aid in the understanding the mechanisms underpinning clinical observations in osteosarcoma, including both the lytic and blastic phenotypes of tumors, the invasiveness of the disease, and the tendency for treated tumors to ossify rather than shrink. Through a better understanding of the relationship between normal osteoblast development and osteosarcoma, we may gain insights into novel therapeutic avenues and improved outcomes.
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Artificial neural network inference (ANNI): a study on gene-gene interaction for biomarkers in childhood sarcomas. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102483. [PMID: 25025207 PMCID: PMC4099183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To model the potential interaction between previously identified biomarkers in children sarcomas using artificial neural network inference (ANNI). Method To concisely demonstrate the biological interactions between correlated genes in an interaction network map, only 2 types of sarcomas in the children small round blue cell tumors (SRBCTs) dataset are discussed in this paper. A backpropagation neural network was used to model the potential interaction between genes. The prediction weights and signal directions were used to model the strengths of the interaction signals and the direction of the interaction link between genes. The ANN model was validated using Monte Carlo cross-validation to minimize the risk of over-fitting and to optimize generalization ability of the model. Results Strong connection links on certain genes (TNNT1 and FNDC5 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS); FCGRT and OLFM1 in Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS)) suggested their potency as central hubs in the interconnection of genes with different functionalities. The results showed that the RMS patients in this dataset are likely to be congenital and at low risk of cardiomyopathy development. The EWS patients are likely to be complicated by EWS-FLI fusion and deficiency in various signaling pathways, including Wnt, Fas/Rho and intracellular oxygen. Conclusions The ANN network inference approach and the examination of identified genes in the published literature within the context of the disease highlights the substantial influence of certain genes in sarcomas.
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Sankar S, Theisen ER, Bearss J, Mulvihill T, Hoffman LM, Sorna V, Beckerle MC, Sharma S, Lessnick SL. Reversible LSD1 inhibition interferes with global EWS/ETS transcriptional activity and impedes Ewing sarcoma tumor growth. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4584-97. [PMID: 24963049 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone tumor that absolutely relies on the transcriptional activity of the EWS/ETS family of fusion oncoproteins. While the most common fusion, EWS/FLI, utilizes lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to repress critical tumor suppressors, small-molecule blockade of LSD1 has not yet been thoroughly explored as a therapeutic approach for Ewing sarcoma. We therefore evaluated the translational potential of potent and specific LSD1 inhibition with HCI2509 on the transcriptional program of both EWS/FLI and EWS/ERG as well as the downstream oncogenic phenotypes driven by EWS/ETS fusions in both in vitro and in vivo models of Ewing sarcoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN RNA-seq was used to compare the transcriptional profiles of EWS/FLI, EWS/ERG, and treatment with HCI2509 in both EWS/FLI- and EWS/ERG-containing cell lines. We then evaluated morphologic phenotypes of treated cells with immunofluorescence. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using caspase-3/7 activation and TUNEL staining. Colony forming assays were used to test oncogenic transformation and xenograft studies with patient-derived cell lines were used to evaluate the effects of HCI2509 on tumorigenesis. RESULTS HCI2509 caused a dramatic reversal of both the up- and downregulated transcriptional profiles of EWS/FLI and EWS/ERG accompanied by the induction of apoptosis and disruption of morphologic and oncogenic phenotypes modulated by EWS/FLI. Importantly, HCI2509 displayed single-agent efficacy in multiple xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS These data support epigenetic modulation with HCI2509 as a therapeutic strategy for Ewing sarcoma, and highlight a critical dual role for LSD1 in the oncogenic transcriptional activity of EWS/ETS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Sankar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Emily R Theisen
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jared Bearss
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Laura M Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Venkataswamy Sorna
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mary C Beckerle
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Department of Biology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Division of Medical Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Center for Children's Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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24
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Eid JE, Garcia CB. Reprogramming of mesenchymal stem cells by oncogenes. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 32:18-31. [PMID: 24938913 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originate from embryonic mesoderm and give rise to the multiple lineages of connective tissues. Transformed MSCs develop into aggressive sarcomas, some of which are initiated by specific chromosomal translocations that generate fusion proteins with potent oncogenic properties. The sarcoma oncogenes typically prime MSCs through aberrant reprogramming. They dictate commitment to a specific lineage but prevent mature differentiation, thus locking the cells in a state of proliferative precursors. Deregulated expression of lineage-specific transcription factors and controllers of chromatin structure play a central role in MSC reprogramming and sarcoma pathogenesis. This suggests that reversing the epigenetic aberrancies created by the sarcoma oncogenes with differentiation-related reagents holds great promise as a beneficial addition to sarcoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane E Eid
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 771 Preston, Research Building, 2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Christina B Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine, BCM320, Huston, TX 77030, USA
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25
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Sanford Z, Israelsen S, Sehgal R, Cheung FH. Atypical growth on MRI in a case of Ewing's sarcoma despite lower SUV on PET. Skeletal Radiol 2014; 43:819-25. [PMID: 24352763 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-013-1779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is a rare primary bone malignancy of small round blue cells. Treatment typically consists of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection, and adjuvant chemotherapy. The disease response to chemotherapy can be followed with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), which measures the metabolic activity of the tumor, and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which measures tumor size. We present a unique case in which the tumor grew in size following neoadjuvant chemotherapy but decreased in metabolic activity, making it difficult to judge efficacy of the chemotherapy. An atypical response to chemotherapy in this case caused tumor growth due to a fibrotic reaction while viable tumor cells were eradicated. This case highlights the ability of FDG-PET scan to identify the uncommon situation in which a tumor that increased in size may have had a favorable response to chemotherapy. This possibility should be considered in similar cases in which FDG-PET scan shows diminishing metabolic activity despite tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Sanford
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM), Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA,
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26
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Monument MJ, Bernthal NM, Randall RL. Salient features of mesenchymal stem cells-implications for Ewing sarcoma modeling. Front Oncol 2013; 3:24. [PMID: 23443465 PMCID: PMC3580960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a heightened appreciation of the many defining molecular aberrations in Ewing sarcoma, the cooperative genetic environment and permissive cell of origin essential for EWS/ETS-mediated oncogenesis remain elusive. Consequently, inducible animal and in vitro models of Ewing sarcoma from a native cellular context are unable to fully recapitulate malignant transformation. Despite these shortcomings, human, and murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the closest working in vitro systems available. MSCs are tolerant of ectopic EWS/FLI expression, which is accompanied by a molecular signature most similar to Ewing sarcoma. Whether MSCs are the elusive cell of origin or simply a tolerant platform of the EWS/FLI transcriptome, these cells have become an excellent molecular tool to investigate and manipulate oncogenesis in Ewing sarcoma. Our understanding of the biological complexity and heterogeneity of human MSCs (hMSCs) has increased substantially over time and as such, appreciation and utilization of these salient complexities may greatly enhance the efficient use of these cells as surrogate models for Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Monument
- Sarcoma Services, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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27
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Molecular detection and targeting of EWSR1 fusion transcripts in soft tissue tumors. Med Oncol 2013; 30:412. [PMID: 23329308 PMCID: PMC3586390 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors, traditionally classified according to morphology and histogenesis. Molecular classification divides sarcomas into two main categories: (a) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and (b) sarcomas showing multiple complex karyotypic abnormalities without any specific pattern. Most chromosomal alterations are represented by translocations which are increasingly detected. The identification of fusion transcripts, in fact, not only support the diagnosis but also provides the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking aberrant activity of the chimeric proteins. One of the genes most susceptible to breakage/translocation in soft tissue tumors is represented by Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1). This gene has a large number of fusion partners, mainly associated with the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma but with other soft tissue tumors too. In this review, we illustrate the characteristics of this gene/protein, both in normal cellular physiology and in carcinogenesis. We describe the different fusion partners of EWSR1, the molecular pathways in which is involved and the main molecular biology techniques for the identification of fusion transcripts and for their inhibition.
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28
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Hauer K, Calzada-Wack J, Steiger K, Grunewald TGP, Baumhoer D, Plehm S, Buch T, Prazeres da Costa O, Esposito I, Burdach S, Richter GHS. DKK2 mediates osteolysis, invasiveness, and metastatic spread in Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Res 2013. [PMID: 23204234 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma, an osteolytic malignancy that mainly affects children and young adults, is characterized by early metastasis to lung and bone. In this study, we identified the pro-metastatic gene DKK2 as a highly overexpressed gene in Ewing sarcoma compared with corresponding normal tissues. Using RNA interference, we showed that DKK2 was critical for malignant cell outgrowth in vitro and in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model in vivo. Analysis of invasion potential in both settings revealed a strong correlation of DKK2 expression to Ewing sarcoma invasiveness that may be mediated by the DKK effector matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). Furthermore, gene expression analyses established the ability of DKK2 to differentially regulate genes such as CXCR4, PTHrP, RUNX2, and TGFβ1 that are associated with homing, invasion, and growth of cancer cells in bone tissue as well as genes important for osteolysis, including HIF1α, JAG1, IL6, and VEGF. DKK2 promoted bone infiltration and osteolysis in vivo and further analyses defined DKK2 as a key factor in osteotropic malignancy. Interestingly, in Ewing sarcoma cells, DKK2 suppression simultaneously increased the potential for neuronal differentiation while decreasing chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation. Our results provide strong evidence that DKK2 is a key player in Ewing sarcoma invasion and osteolysis and also in the differential phenotype of Ewing sarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Hauer
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Roman Herzog Comprehensive Cancer Research Center and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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29
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Burns JS, Safwat A, Grisendi G, Kassem M, Dominici M. Sarcomas as a mise en abyme of mesenchymal stem cells: exploiting interrelationships for cell mediated anticancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2012; 325:1-10. [PMID: 22659735 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mise en abyme meaning "placed into abyss or infinite recurrence" is an apt paradigm for the relentless growth of sarcoma cells. Its alternative meaning, "self-reflexive embedding" fits the central role attributed to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Diversely sourced and defined, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be the cells of sarcoma origin, evolve a CSC phenotype and/or contribute to tumor growth through inherent qualities for homing, neovascularization, paracrine cross-feeding, microvesicle secretion, cell fusion, entosis and immune modulation. Exploiting these qualities, MSC expressing modified forms of the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) are being developed to complement more conventional radiation and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Advanced Cancer Therapies, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Respiratory Disease, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Hamilton G, Olszewski-Hamilton U. CD99/MIC2 Constitutes a Differentiation Antigen of a Human Osteoblast Cell Line. World J Oncol 2011; 2:298-304. [PMID: 29147265 PMCID: PMC5649714 DOI: 10.4021/wjon415w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The histological origin of the Ewing's family of tumors (EFT) is still not clear. Since these small cell bone tumors may originate from osteogenic stem cells, the presence of the CD99/MIC2 antigen, known to be overexpressed in EFT, was studied in a human osteoblast cell line in response to differentiation inducers. METHODS The HBA-71 monoclonal antibody directed to the CD99/MIC2 antigen was used to stain a human osteoblast cell line as well as the two EFT cell lines KAL and EW-2 after pretreatment of the cells with the differentiation inducers calcitriol and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors sodium butyrate (NaB), sodium phenylacetate (NaPA) as well as N, N'-hexamethylen-bis-acetamide (HMBA). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were determined as cellular differentiation marker. RESULTS Significant expression of the CD99/MIC2 antigen, yielding a molecular weight of 32 kD in Western blotting, was found in the human osteoblast cell line. Pretreatment of the osteoblasts with calcitriol and HMBA increased ALP content and suppressed the CD99/MIC2 antigen. Calcitriol had no major effect on CD99/MIC2 expression of both EFT cell lines, but HMBA enhanced ALP activity in KAL cells and downregulated CD99/MIC2. EW-2 cells exhibited reduced levels of both CD99/MIC2 and ALP. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the role of CD99/MIC2 as differentiation antigen of osteoblasts and a Ewing's sarcoma cell line with neuroectodermal phenotype. Response to calcitriol is absent or low in the two EFT cell lines tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster of Translational Oncology, Nussdorferstrasse 64/6, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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31
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Lessnick SL, Ladanyi M. Molecular pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma: new therapeutic and transcriptional targets. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 7:145-59. [PMID: 21942527 PMCID: PMC3555146 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011110-130237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of sarcomas contain specific translocations. Ewing sarcoma is the prototypical member of this group of sarcomas; it was the first to be recognized pathologically as a singular entity and to have its signature translocation defined cytogenetically, which led to the identification of its key driver alteration, the EWS-FLI1 gene fusion that encodes this aberrant, chimeric transcription factor. We review recent progress in selected areas of Ewing sarcoma research, including the application of genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses, to provide a comprehensive view of the EWS-FLI1 target gene repertoire, the identification of EWS-FLI1 target genes that may also point to therapeutically targetable pathways, and data from model systems as they relate to the elusive cell of origin of Ewing sarcoma and its possible similarities to mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L. Lessnick
- Center for Children's Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, and Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112;
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Molecular Diagnostics Service, Department of Pathology, and Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065;
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32
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Taylor BS, Barretina J, Maki RG, Antonescu CR, Singer S, Ladanyi M. Advances in sarcoma genomics and new therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:541-57. [PMID: 21753790 PMCID: PMC3361898 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly, human mesenchymal malignancies are being classified by the abnormalities that drive their pathogenesis. Although many of these aberrations are highly prevalent within particular sarcoma subtypes, few are currently targeted therapeutically. Indeed, most subtypes of sarcoma are still treated with traditional therapeutic modalities, and in many cases sarcomas are resistant to adjuvant therapies. In this Review, we discuss the core molecular determinants of sarcomagenesis and emphasize the emerging genomic and functional genetic approaches that, coupled with novel therapeutic strategies, have the potential to transform the care of patients with sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S Taylor
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Defective osteogenic differentiation in the development of osteosarcoma. Sarcoma 2011; 2011:325238. [PMID: 21437219 PMCID: PMC3061279 DOI: 10.1155/2011/325238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is associated with poor prognosis due to its high incidence of metastasis and chemoresistance. It often arises in areas of rapid bone growth in long bones during the adolescent growth spurt. Although certain genetic conditions and alterations increase the risk of developing OS, the molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Recently, defects in differentiation have been linked to cancers, as they are associated with high cell proliferation. Treatments overcoming these defects enable terminal differentiation and subsequent tumor inhibition. OS development may be associated with defects in osteogenic differentiation. While early regulators of osteogenesis are unable to bypass these defects, late osteogenic regulators, including Runx2 and Osterix, are able to overcome some of the defects and inhibit tumor propagation through promoting osteogenic differentiation. Further understanding of the relationship between defects in osteogenic differentiation and tumor development holds tremendous potential in treating OS.
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: The Two Faces of the FUS/EWS/TAF15 Protein Family. Sarcoma 2010; 2011:837474. [PMID: 21197473 PMCID: PMC3005952 DOI: 10.1155/2011/837474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FUS, EWS, and TAF15 form the FET family of RNA-binding proteins whose genes are found rearranged with various transcription factor genes predominantly in sarcomas and in rare hematopoietic and epithelial cancers. The resulting fusion gene products have attracted considerable interest as diagnostic and promising therapeutic targets. So far, oncogenic FET fusion proteins have been regarded as strong transcription factors that aberrantly activate or repress target genes of their DNA-binding fusion partners. However, the role of the transactivating domain in the context of the normal FET proteins is poorly defined, and, therefore, our knowledge on how FET aberrations impact on tumor biology is incomplete. Since we believe that a full understanding of aberrant FET protein function can only arise from looking at both sides of the coin, the good and the evil, this paper summarizes evidence for the central function of FET proteins in bridging RNA transcription, processing, transport, and DNA repair.
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Luther G, Rames R, Wagner ER, Zhu G, Luo Q, Bi Y, Kim SH, Gao JL, Huang E, Yang K, Wang L, Liu X, Li M, Hu N, Su Y, Luo X, Chen L, Luo J, Haydon RC, Luu HH, Zhou L, He TC. Molecular basis of differentiation therapy for soft tissue sarcomas. TRENDS IN CANCER RESEARCH 2010; 6:69-90. [PMID: 26912947 PMCID: PMC4762605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated precursor cells with the capacity for proliferation or terminal differentiation. Progression down the differentiation cascade results in a loss of proliferative potential in exchange for the differentiated phenotype. This balance is tightly regulated in the physiologic state. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that during tumorigenesis, disruptions preventing terminal differentiation allow cancer cells to maintain a proliferative, precursor cell phenotype. Current therapies (i.e., chemotherapy and radiation therapy) target the actively proliferating cells in tumor masses, which in many cases inevitably induce therapy-resistant cancer cells. It is conceivable that promising therapy regimens can be developed by treating human cancers by inducing terminal differentiation, thereby restoring the interrupted pathway and shifting the balance from proliferation to differentiation. For example, osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer caused by differentiation defects in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for which several differentiation therapies have shown great promise. In this review, we discuss the various differentiation therapies in the treatment of human sarcomas with a focus on OS. Such therapies hold great promise as they not only inhibit tumorigenesis, but also avoid the adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a combination of conventional therapies with differentiation therapy should significantly improve anticancer efficacy and reduce drug-resistance in the clinical management of human cancers, including sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Luther
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Richard Rames
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Eric R. Wagner
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Gaohui Zhu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yang Bi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Stephanie H. Kim
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jian-Li Gao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Enyi Huang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- School of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Linyuan Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xing Liu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Mi Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Ning Hu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuxi Su
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xiaoji Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jinyong Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lan Zhou
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by Chinese Ministry of Education and Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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