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de Lima-Souza RA, Vieira GDS, Kimura TDC, Scarini JF, Lavareze L, Maciel TF, Gonçalves MWA, Egal ESA, Altemani A, Mariano FV. Insights into the molecular alterations of PLAG1 and HMGA2 associated with malignant phenotype acquisition in pleomorphic adenoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 204:104494. [PMID: 39278426 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of the salivary gland, presenting with a variety of histological features. In some cases, PA can undergo malignant transformation to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). The transition from PA to CXPA is associated with complex molecular alterations, particularly involving the pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) and high mobility group protein gene (HMGA2). This review investigates the molecular alterations of PLAG1 and HMGA2 in all domains in the malignant transformation of PA. Our analysis highlights that these markers are key alterations in the etiopathogenesis of PA and CXPA, with gene fusion and amplification being frequently reported mechanisms. Although the exact role of PLAG1 and HMGA2 in the oncogenic process remains unclear, further studies on the HMGA2 and PLAG1, are needed particularly in HMGA2-PLAG1-IGF2 which is proving to be a potential pathway for the development of clinically applicable therapies, especially for CXPA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo de Souza Vieira
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Talita de Carvalho Kimura
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - João Figueira Scarini
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Luccas Lavareze
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Tayná Figueiredo Maciel
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika Said Abu Egal
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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2
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Sadek KM, AbdEllatief HY, Mahmoud SFE, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Al‐Hajeili M, Saad HM, Batiha GE. New insights on testicular cancer prevalence with novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2052. [PMID: 38507271 PMCID: PMC10953835 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular cancer (TC), comprising merely 1% of male neoplasms, holds the distinction of being the most commonly encountered neoplasm among young males. RECENT FINDINGS Most cases of testicular neoplasms can be classified into two main groups, namely germ cell tumors representing approximately 95% of the cases, and sex cord-stromal tumors accounting for about 5% of the cases. Moreover, its prevalence is on the rise across the globe. TC is a neoplastic condition characterized by a favorable prognosis. The advent of cisplatin-based chemotherapeutic agents in the latter part of the 1970s has led to a significant enhancement in the 5-year survival rate, which presently surpasses 95%. Given that TC is commonly detected before reaching the age of 40, it can be anticipated that these individuals will enjoy an additional 40-50 years of life following successful treatment. The potential causes of TC are multifactorial and related to different pathologies. Accurate identification is imperative to guarantee the utmost efficacious and suitable therapy. To a certain degree, this can be accomplished through the utilization of blood examinations for neoplastic indicators; nonetheless, an unequivocal diagnosis necessitates an evaluation of the histological composition of a specimen via a pathologist. CONCLUSION TC is multifactorial and has various pathologies, therefore this review aimed to revise the prenatal and postnatal causes as well as novel diagnostic biomarkers and the therapeutic strategies of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadry M. Sadek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Hazem Y. AbdEllatief
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Sahar F. E. Mahmoud
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityAbadiyyat DamanhurEgypt
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research and DevelopmentChandigarh UniversityMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Research and Development, FunogenAthensGreece
- Department of Research and DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery IIUniversity Hospital Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Marwan Al‐Hajeili
- Department of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahKingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsa MatruhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourEgypt
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3
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Wang L, Zhang J, Xia M, Liu C, Zu X, Zhong J. High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1): Structure, Biological Function, and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4414-4431. [PMID: 35864955 PMCID: PMC9295051 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is a nonhistone chromatin structural protein characterized by no transcriptional activity. It mainly plays a regulatory role by modifying the structure of DNA. A large number of studies have confirmed that HMGA1 regulates genes related to tumours in the reproductive system, digestive system, urinary system and haematopoietic system. HMGA1 is rare in adult cells and increases in highly proliferative cells such as embryos. After being stimulated by external factors, it will produce effects through the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, Hippo and MEK/ERK pathways. In addition, HMGA1 also affects the ageing, apoptosis, autophagy and chemotherapy resistance of cancer cells, which are linked to tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of HMGA1 in cancer progression and discuss the potential clinical application of targeted HMGA1 therapy, indicating that targeted HMGA1 is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Xia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, First School of Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Medical, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
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4
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De Martino M, Pellecchia S, Esposito F, Tosti N, Quintavalle C, Eppenberger-Castori S, Carafa V, Righi A, Chieffi P, Fusco A, Terracciano LM, Pallante P. The role of HMGA1 protein in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1335-1346. [PMID: 35282770 PMCID: PMC9132388 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2050646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms derived from neuroendocrine cells. One of their main features is to often remain asymptomatic and clinically undetectable. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins belong to a family of non-histone chromatinic proteins able to modulate gene expression through the interaction with DNA and transcription factors. They are overexpressed in most of the human malignancies, playing a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, their expression levels and their role in neuroendocrine carcinogenesis has not been exhaustively evaluated until now. Therefore, in this study, we have addressed the validity of using the expression of HMGA1 as a diagnostic marker and have investigated its role in NET carcinogenesis. The expression of HMGA1 has been evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, using NET tissue microarrays, in a cohort of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NET samples. The expression levels of HMGA1 have been then correlated with the main clinical features of NET samples. Finally, the contribution of HMGA1 overexpression to NET development has been addressed as far as the modulation of proliferation and migration abilities of NET cells is concerned. Here, we report that HMGA1 is overexpressed in GEP-NET samples, at both mRNA and protein levels, and that the silencing of HMGA1 protein expression interferes with the ability of NET cells to proliferate and migrate through the downregulation of Cyclin E, Cyclin B1 and EZH2. These results propose the HMGA proteins as new diagnostic and prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Pellecchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Tosti
- Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Division, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.,Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Division, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Vincenza Carafa
- Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Division, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Righi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Terracciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
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5
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Lakpour N, Saliminejad K, Ghods R, Reza Sadeghi M, Pilatz A, Khosravi F, Madjd Z. Potential biomarkers for testicular germ cell tumour: Risk assessment, diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring of recurrence. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13998. [PMID: 33534171 DOI: 10.1111/and.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is considered a relatively rare malignancy usually occurring in young men between 15 and 35 years of age, and both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. The majority of patients are diagnosed in an early-stage of TGCTs with an elevated 5-year survival rate after therapy. However, approximately 25% of patients show an incomplete response to chemotherapy or tumours relapse. The current therapies are accompanied by several adverse effects, including infertility. Aside from classical serum biomarker, many studies reported novel biomarkers for TGCTs, but without proper validation. Cancer cells share many similarities with embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and since ESC genes are not transcribed in most adult tissues, they could be considered ideal candidate targets for cancer-specific diagnosis and treatment. Added to this, several microRNAs (miRNA) including miRNA-371-3p can be further investigated as a molecular biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of TGCTs. In this review, we will illustrate the findings of recent investigations in novel TGCTs biomarkers applicable for risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and monitoring of the relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niknam Lakpour
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kioomars Saliminejad
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Farhad Khosravi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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miRNAs and Biomarkers in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031380. [PMID: 33573132 PMCID: PMC7866514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the leading form of solid cancer and death affecting males between the ages of 20 and 40. Today, their surgical resection and chemotherapy are the treatments of first choice, even if sometimes this is not enough to save the lives of patients with TGCT. As seen for several tumors, the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is also a key feature in TGCTs. miRNAs are small molecules of RNA with biological activity that are released into biological fluids by testicular cancer cells. Their presence, therefore, can be detected and monitored by considering miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers for TGCTs. The purpose of this review is to collect all the studies executed on miRNAs that have a potential role as biomarkers for testicular tumors.
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7
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De Martino M, Esposito F, Chieffi P. An update on microRNAs as potential novel therapeutic targets in testicular germ cell tumors. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2020; 9:184-186. [PMID: 32844079 PMCID: PMC7441029 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2020.03025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20- 40 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. Recent studies have underscored the fact that miRNA deregulation is a feature of carcinogenesis, including TGCT development and progression. MiRNAs are a group of small noncoding RNAs that bind to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the targeted mRNAs, thus causing mRNA degradation or the inhibition of its translation, regulating gene expression in a temporal and tissue-specific manner. However, few miRNAs have been found to play key roles in TGCTs; recently, other miRNAs have been identified, representing novel potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Address correspondence to:Paolo Chieffi, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 31 81100 Caserta, Italy. E-mail:
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8
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De Martino M, Fusco A, Esposito F. HMGA and Cancer: A Review on Patent Literatures. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:258-267. [PMID: 31538905 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190919152001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high mobility group A proteins modulate the transcription of numerous genes by interacting with transcription factors and/or altering the structure of chromatin. These proteins are involved in both benign and malignant neoplasias as a result of several pathways. A large amount of benign human mesenchymal tumors has rearrangements of HMGA genes. On the contrary, malignant tumors show unarranged HMGA overexpression that is frequently and causally related to neoplastic cell transformation. Here, we review the function of the HMGA proteins in human neoplastic disorders, the pathways by which they contribute to carcinogenesis and the new patents focused on targeting HMGA proteins. OBJECTIVE Current review was conducted to check the involvement of HMGA as a druggable target in cancer treatment. METHODS We reviewed the most recent patents focused on targeting HMGA in cancer treatment analyzing patent literature published during the last years, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO®), United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO®), Espacenet®, and Google Patents. RESULTS HMGA proteins are intriguing targets for cancer therapy and are objects of different patents based on the use of DNA aptamers, inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, antisense molecules able to block their oncogenic functions. CONCLUSION Powerful strategies able to selectively interfere with HMGA expression and function could represent a helpful approach in the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Campania, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
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9
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HMGA1-Regulating microRNAs Let-7a and miR-26a are Downregulated in Human Seminomas. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21083014. [PMID: 32344629 PMCID: PMC7215726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21083014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have underlined HMGA protein’s key role in the onset of testicular germ cell tumors, where HMGA1 is differently expressed with respect to the state of differentiation, suggesting its fine regulation as master regulator in testicular tumorigenesis. Several studies have highlighted that the HMGA1 transcript is strictly regulated by a set of inhibitory microRNAs. Thus, the aim of this study is to test whether HMGA1 overexpression in human seminomas may be induced by the deregulation of miR-26a and Let-7a—two HMGA1-targeting microRNAs. Methods: HMGA1 mRNA and Let-7a and miR-26a levels were measured in a seminoma dataset available in the Cancer Genome Atlas database and confirmed in a subset of seminomas by qRT-PCR and western blot. A TCam-2 seminoma cell line was then transfected with Let-7a and miR-26a and tested for proliferation and motility abilities. Results: an inverse correlation was found between the expression of miR-26a and Let-7a and HMGA1 expression levels in seminomas samples, suggesting a critical role of these microRNAs in HMGA1 levels regulation. Accordingly, functional studies showed that miR-26a and Let-7a inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities of the human seminoma derived cell line TCam-2. Conclusions: these data strongly support that the upregulation of HMGA1 levels occurring in seminoma is—at least in part—due to the downregulation of HMGA1-targeting microRNAs.
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10
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Chieffi P, De Martino M, Esposito F. Further insights into testicular germ cell tumor oncogenesis: potential therapeutic targets. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:189-195. [PMID: 32164473 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1736566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common neoplasia in the young male population, and the incidence has been constantly increasing in many parts of the world. These tumors are classified into seminomas and non-seminomas, and those divided, in turn, into yolk sac tumors, embryonal cell carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas. Although therapeutic approaches have improved, approximately 25% of the patients relapse or, in a small number of cases, show platinum-resistant disease.Areas covered: We review several molecular targets that have recently emerged as powerful tools for both diagnosis and therapy of TGCTs. Moreover, we reviewed the most frequent deregulated pathways involved in TGCT tumorigenesis, reporting drugs that may emerge as novel therapeutic agents.Expert opinion: TGCT treatment is mainly based on platinum-derivative therapy with high cure rates. However, in the refractory patients, there are few alternative treatments. Thus, different pharmacological approaches have to be thoroughly investigated to shed new light on TGCT pathogenesis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy.,Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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11
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Varghese VK, Shukla V, Jishnu PV, Kabekkodu SP, Pandey D, Sharan K, Satyamoorthy K. Characterizing methylation regulated miRNA in carcinoma of the human uterine cervix. Life Sci 2019; 232:116668. [PMID: 31326568 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene regulatory mechanisms determine the multistep carcinogenesis process. Two aspects of epigenetics are microRNA (miRNAs) and DNA methylation that regulate distinct biological mechanisms such as metastasis, apoptosis cell proliferation and induction of senescence. Although critical, the interplay between these two epigenetic mechanisms is yet to be completely understood, particularly in cervical cancer. To study the DNA methylation regulation of miRNAs and its potential role in cervical cancer, we investigated the differential methylation pattern of two candidate miRNAs (miR-375 and miR-196a-1) during cervical cancer progression against normal cervical epithelium (NCE) by bisulfite DNA sequencing. miR-375 and miR-196a-1 were hypermethylated in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) against NCE and Cervical Intra-Epithelial Neoplasia (CIN) (p < 0.05). Treatment with demethylating agent reactivated the miR-375 and miR-196a-1 expression in SiHa, HeLa and CaSki cells. In vitro artificial methylation by M.SssI followed by dual luciferase assay confirmed miR-375 and miR-196a-1 as methylation regulated miRNAs (P < 0.05). miR-375 and miR-196a-1 expression levels were negatively correlated with methylation levels in clinical specimens. We further identified Replication Factor C Subunit 3 (RFC3) and High Mobility Group AT-Hook 1 (HMGA1) as targets of miR-375 and miR-196a-1 respectively by dual luciferase reporter assay. Our analysis indicates that miR-375 and miR-196a-1 are DNA methylation regulated miRNAs whose deregulation may facilitate pathophysiology of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Koshy Varghese
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Vaibhav Shukla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Padacherri Vethil Jishnu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Deeksha Pandey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Krishna Sharan
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India.
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12
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Steuernagel L, Meckbach C, Heinrich F, Zeidler S, Schmitt AO, Gültas M. Computational identification of tissue-specific transcription factor cooperation in ten cattle tissues. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216475. [PMID: 31095599 PMCID: PMC6522001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are a special class of DNA-binding proteins that orchestrate gene transcription by recruiting other TFs, co-activators or co-repressors. Their combinatorial interplay in higher organisms maintains homeostasis and governs cell identity by finely controlling and regulating tissue-specific gene expression. Despite the rich literature on the importance of cooperative TFs for deciphering the mechanisms of individual regulatory programs that control tissue specificity in several organisms such as human, mouse, or Drosophila melanogaster, to date, there is still need for a comprehensive study to detect specific TF cooperations in regulatory processes of cattle tissues. To address the needs of knowledge about specific combinatorial gene regulation in cattle tissues, we made use of three publicly available RNA-seq datasets and obtained tissue-specific gene (TSG) sets for ten tissues (heart, lung, liver, kidney, duodenum, muscle tissue, adipose tissue, colon, spleen and testis). By analyzing these TSG-sets, tissue-specific TF cooperations of each tissue have been identified. The results reveal that similar to the combinatorial regulatory events of model organisms, TFs change their partners depending on their biological functions in different tissues. Particularly with regard to preferential partner choice of the transcription factors STAT3 and NR2C2, this phenomenon has been highlighted with their five different specific cooperation partners in multiple tissues. The information about cooperative TFs could be promising: i) to understand the molecular mechanisms of regulating processes; and ii) to extend the existing knowledge on the importance of single TFs in cattle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Steuernagel
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Meckbach
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics, Goldschmidtstraße 1, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felix Heinrich
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Zeidler
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Armin O. Schmitt
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, Georg-August University, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mehmet Gültas
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, Georg-August University, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20-34 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased over the last few decades. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). NSGCTs can be further divided into embryonal carcinoma, Teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells (PGCs). Many discovered biomarkers including HMGA1, GPR30, Aurora-B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantage to discriminate between histological subgroups and could represent useful molecular therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy
- Address correspondence to:Dr. Paolo Chieffi, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Viale Ellittico, 3181100 Caserta, Italy. E-mail:
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14
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Chieffi P, De Martino M, Esposito F. New Anti-Cancer Strategies in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2019; 14:53-59. [DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190111120023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The most common solid malignancy of young men aged 20 to 34 years is testicular germ cell tumor. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased throughout the last years. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, which take in yolk sac tumor, embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells. </P><P> Objectives: The study is focused on different molecular mechanisms strongly involved in testicular germ cell line tumors underlying new strategies to treat this human neoplasia.Methods:Bibliographic data from peer-reviewed research, patent and clinical trial literature, and around eighty papers and patents have been included in this review.Results:Our study reveals that several biomarkers are usefully utilized to discriminate among different histotypes. Moreover, we found new patents regarding testicular germ cell tumor treatments such as the expression of claudin 6, monoclonal antibody (Brentuximab Vedotin), immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with the FDA-approved drugs pembrolizumab and nivolumab or the oncolytic virus Pelareorep, the combination of selective inhibitors of Aurora kinase.Conclusion:Finally, the pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumor needs to be deeply understood so that it will improve data on stem cells, tumorigenesis and disease tumor management by more selective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology of the CNR c / o Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine and Surgery of Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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15
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Zha Y, Yao Q, Liu JS, Wang YY, Sun WM. Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM3 by targeting HMGA2. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:5709-5714. [PMID: 30356986 PMCID: PMC6196634 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HBV X protein (HBx) serves an essential role in the development of HCC. However, its mechanism remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and mechanism of the HBx protein in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of HCC. The HCCLM3 cell line was transfected with a HBx-expressing vector. The effects of HBx overexpression on proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT capacities of the HCCLM3 cell line were evaluated using MTT, migration and invasion assays, and western blotting, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) knockdown on HBx-mediated metastasis was investigated in the HCC cell line HCCLM3. The results demonstrated that HBx significantly upregulated HMGA2 expression, and enhanced the proliferation, EMT, invasion and migration in HCC cells. Furthermore, HMGA2 knockdown almost abolished HBx-induced EMT and metastasis in HCC. The results of the present study suggest that HBx promotes the proliferation, EMT, invasion and migration of HCC cells by targeting HMGA2. HMGB2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zha
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Sheng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Ming Sun
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
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16
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De Martino M, Forzati F, Arra C, Fusco A, Esposito F. HMGA1-pseudogenes and cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:28724-35. [PMID: 26895108 PMCID: PMC5053758 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudogenes are DNA sequences with high homology to the corresponding functional gene, but, because of the accumulation of various mutations, they have lost their initial functions to code for proteins. Consequently, pseudogenes have been considered until few years ago dysfunctional relatives of the corresponding ancestral genes, and then useless in the course of genome evolution. However, several studies have recently established that pseudogenes are owners of key biological functions. Indeed, some pseudogenes control the expression of functional genes by competitively binding to the miRNAs, some of them generate small interference RNAs to negatively modulate the expression of functional genes, and some of them even encode functional mutated proteins. Here, we concentrate our attention on the pseudogenes of the HMGA1 gene, that codes for the HMGA1a and HMGA1b proteins having a critical role in development and cancer progression. In this review, we analyze the family of HMGA1 pseudogenes through three aspects: classification, characterization, and their possible function and involvement in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Forzati
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common solid malignancy occurring in young men between 20 and 34 years of age, and its incidence has increased significantly over the last decades. Clinically several types of immunohistochemical markers are useful and sensitive. These new biomarkers are genes expressed in primordial germ cells/gonocytes and embryonic pluripotency-related cells but not in normal adult germ cells and they include OCT3/4, HMGA1 and 2, NANOG, SOX2, and LIN28. Gene expression in TGCT is regulated, at least in part, by DNA and histone modifications, and the epigenetic profile of these tumours is characterised by genome-wide demethylation. There are different epigenetic modifications in TGCT subtypes that reflect the normal developmental switch in primordial germ cells from an under to normally methylated genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Paolo Chieffi, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Viale Ellittico, 31 81100 Caserta, Italy. E-mail:
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18
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Aoun F, Kourie HR, Albisinni S, Roumeguère T. Will Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Remain Untargetable? Target Oncol 2017; 11:711-721. [PMID: 27184492 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Germ cell tumors (TGCT) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. They constitute a distinct entity because of their embryonic origin and their unique biological behavior. Recently, new preclinical data on genetic and epigenetic susceptibility profiles, biological signaling machinery as well as on molecular patterns of tumors and pathways of pathogenesis helped to elucidate the pathogenesis and the differentiation of TGCTs and to understand the mechanisms behind the development of resistance to treatment. In the present work, we have reviewed new clues to the development, differentiation and progression of TGCTs. We focus on the most important epigenetic and molecular biomarkers, and discussed their diagnostic and prognostic accuracy compared to the currently used biomarkers. The mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to cisplatin and commonly used chemotherapeutic agents are also discussed in detail. Finally, we summarize failed and ongoing clinical trials using targeted therapies in resistant TGCTs, and analyze the potential of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Department of Urology, Hôtel Dieu de France, Beyrouth, Lebanon.
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Department of Oncology, Jules Bordet Institute, 1 Héger Bordet Street, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simone Albisinni
- Department of Urology, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Roumeguère
- Department of Urology, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Boccellino M, Vanacore D, Zappavigna S, Cavaliere C, Rossetti S, D'Aniello C, Chieffi P, Amler E, Buonerba C, Di Lorenzo G, Di Franco R, Izzo A, Piscitelli R, Iovane G, Muto P, Botti G, Perdonà S, Caraglia M, Facchini G. Testicular cancer from diagnosis to epigenetic factors. Oncotarget 2017; 8:104654-104663. [PMID: 29262668 PMCID: PMC5732834 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common neoplasms that occurs in male and includes germ cell tumors (GCT), sex cord-gonadal stromal tumors and secondary testicular tumors. Diagnosis of TC involves the evaluation of serum tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and lactate dehydrogenase, but clinically several types of immunohistochemical markers are more useful and more sensitive in GCT, but not in teratoma. These new biomarkers are genes expressed in primordial germ cells/gonocytes and embryonic pluripotency-related cells but not in normal adult germ cells and they include PLAP, OCT3/4 (POU5F1), NANOG, SOX2, REX1, AP-2γ (TFAP2C) and LIN28. Gene expression in GCT is regulated, at least in part, by DNA and histone modifications, and the epigenetic profile of these tumours is characterised by genome-wide demethylation. There are different epigenetic modifications in TG-subtypes that reflect the normal developmental switch in primordial germ cells from an under- to normally methylated genome. The main purpose of this review is to illustrate the findings of recent investigations in the classification of male genital organs, the discoveries in the use of prognostic and diagnostic markers and the epigenetic aberrations mainly affecting the patterns of DNA methylation/histone modifications of genes (especially tumor suppressors) and microRNAs (miRNAs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Vanacore
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Naples, Italy.,Progetto ONCONET 2.0, Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Silvia Zappavigna
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Cavaliere
- Medical Oncology Unit, ASL NA 3 SUD, Ospedali Riuniti Area Nolana, Nola, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Progetto ONCONET 2.0, Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine D'Aniello
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.R.N. dei COLLI "Ospedali Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO", Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Evzen Amler
- 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, UCEEB, CVUT, Zikova 4, Prague 6, Student Science, H.Podluzi, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Di Franco
- Progetto ONCONET 2.0, Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori 'Fondazione Giovanni Pascale'-IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Izzo
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Piscitelli
- Progetto ONCONET 2.0, Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Iovane
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori 'Fondazione Giovanni Pascale'-IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale"- IRCCS, Naples, Italy.,Scientific Management, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- Progetto ONCONET 2.0, Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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20
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Andreozzi M, Quintavalle C, Benz D, Quagliata L, Matter M, Calabrese D, Tosti N, Ruiz C, Trapani F, Tornillo L, Fusco A, Heim MH, Ng CK, Pallante P, Terracciano LM, Piscuoglio S. HMGA1 Expression in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Promotes Tumor Growth and Migration in in vitro Models. Neoplasia 2016; 18:724-731. [PMID: 27855356 PMCID: PMC5110473 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HMGA1 is a non-histone nuclear protein that regulates cellular proliferation, invasion and apoptosis and is overexpressed in many carcinomas. In this study we sought to explore the expression of HMGA1 in HCCs and cirrhotic tissues, and its effect in in vitro models. METHODS We evaluated HMGA1 expression using gene expression microarrays (59 HCCs, of which 37 were matched with their corresponding cirrhotic tissue and 5 normal liver donors) and tissue microarray (192 HCCs, 108 cirrhotic tissues and 79 normal liver samples). HMGA1 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic features and patient outcome. Four liver cancer cell lines with stable induced or knockdown expression of HMGA1 were characterized using in vitro assays, including proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth. RESULTS HMGA1 expression increased monotonically from normal liver tissues to cirrhotic tissue to HCC (P<.01) and was associated with Edmondson grade (P<.01). Overall, 51% and 42% of HCCs and cirrhotic tissues expressed HMGA1, respectively. Patients with HMGA1-positive HCCs had earlier disease progression and worse overall survival. Forced expression of HMGA1 in liver cancer models resulted in increased cell growth and migration, and vice versa. Soft agar assay showed that forced expression of HMGA1 led to increased foci formation, suggesting an oncogenic role of HMGA1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS HMGA1 is frequently expressed in cirrhotic tissues and HCCs and its expression is associated with high Edmondson grade and worse prognosis in HCC. Our results suggest that HMGA1 may act as oncogenic driver of progression, implicating it in tumor growth and migration potential in liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Benz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Matter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Calabrese
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology Laboratory, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Tosti
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Ruiz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Trapani
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Tornillo
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II, Naples, Italy; National Cancer Institute-INCA, Rua Andrè Cavalcanti, 37-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology Laboratory, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Ky Ng
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II, Naples, Italy
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21
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Günther K, Foraita R, Friemel J, Günther F, Bullerdiek J, Nimzyk R, Markowski DN, Behrens T, Ahrens W. The Stem Cell Factor HMGA2 Is Expressed in Non-HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Predicts Patient Survival of Distinct Subsites. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016; 26:197-205. [PMID: 27742669 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor high-mobility AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is involved in stem cell renewal and is expressed in many tumor tissues. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) comprise tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract and are characterized by high recurrence rates that represent a challenge to patient management. The study addresses the potential of HMGA2 as a molecular biomarker for HNSCC patient survival. METHODS Patients with HNSCC of the larynx, pharynx, tonsils, or oral cavity were recruited in a hospital-based case-control study (n = 202). Quantitative expression of HMGA2 in tumor tissues was measured by RT-PCR. In a 6- to 10-year follow-up, secondary cancers, vital status, and cause of death were ascertained. The HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall, tumor-specific, and progression-free survival were estimated by Cox proportional hazards with HMGA2 expression level as the independent variable. RESULTS High HMGA2 expression in tumor tissues of HNSCC patients was significantly correlated with negative HPV status (P = 0.01), and associated with shorter overall survival time. In Cox regression modeling, HMGA2 expression yielded a risk increase for overall and tumor-specific death in subsets of HNSCC patients, that is, laryngeal cancer patients (overall survival: HR = 4.00; 95% CI, 1.18-13.62) and in oral cancer patients (tumor-specific survival: HR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.06-7.84), but not in patients with pharyngeal and tonsillar HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS HMGA2 expression is associated with a risk increase for adverse outcomes in patients with HNSCC of the larynx and oral cavity. IMPACT The understanding of stem cell signaling in HNSCC may offer new strategies for cancer treatment. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 197-205. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Günther
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Ronja Foraita
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Juliane Friemel
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frauke Günther
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jörn Bullerdiek
- Center for Human Genetics (ZHG), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Rolf Nimzyk
- Center for Human Genetics (ZHG), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Behrens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.,Protein Research Unit Ruhr within Europe (PURE), Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Ahrens
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
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22
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Chieffi P. An Overview on Predictive Biomarkers of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:276-280. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia; Seconda Università di Napoli; Caserta Italy
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23
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Chieffi P. New perspective on molecular markers as promising therapeutic targets in germ cell tumors. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2016; 5:137-9. [PMID: 27195201 PMCID: PMC4869583 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2016.01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20-40 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCTs comprise two major histologic groups: seminomas and non-seminomas germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). NSGCTs can be further divided into embryonal carcinoma, Teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Seminomas and NSGCTs present significant differences in clinical features, therapy, and prognosis, and both show characteristics of the Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs). Many discovered biomarkers including HMGA1, GPR30, Aurora-B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups and could represent useful therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
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Saâda-Bouzid E, Burel-Vandenbos F, Ranchère-Vince D, Birtwisle-Peyrottes I, Chetaille B, Bouvier C, Château MC, Peoc'h M, Battistella M, Bazin A, Gal J, Michiels JF, Coindre JM, Pedeutour F, Bianchini L. Prognostic value of HMGA2, CDK4, and JUN amplification in well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas. Mod Pathol 2015; 28:1404-14. [PMID: 26336885 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2015.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
HMGA2, CDK4, and JUN genes have been described as frequently coamplified with MDM2 in atypical lipomatous tumor, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma. We studied the frequency of amplification of these genes in a series of 48 dedifferentiated liposarcomas and 68 atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas. We correlated their amplification status with clinicopathological features and outcomes. Histologically, both CDK4 (P=0.007) and JUN (P=0.005) amplifications were associated with dedifferentiated liposarcoma, whereas amplification of the proximal parts of HMGA2 (5'-untranslated region (UTR) and exons 1-3) was associated with atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (P=0.01). CDK4 amplification was associated with axial tumors. Amplification of 5'-UTR and exons 1-3 of HMGA2 was associated with primary status and grade 1. Shorter overall survival was correlated with: age >64 years (P=0.03), chemotherapy used in first intent (P<0.001), no surgery (P=0.003), grade 3 (P<0.001), distant metastasis (P<0.001), node involvement (P=0.006), and CDK4 amplification (P=0.07). In multivariate analysis, distant metastasis (HR=8.8) and grade 3 (HR=18.2) were associated with shorter overall survival. A shorter recurrence-free survival was associated with dedifferentiated liposarcoma (P<0.001), grade 3 (P<0.001), node involvement (P<0.001), distant metastasis (P=0.02), recurrent status (P=0.009), axial location (P=0.001), and with molecular features such as CDK4 (P=0.05) and JUN amplification (P=0.07). Amplification of 5'-UTR and exons 1-3 (P=0.08) and 3'-UTR (P=0.01) of HMGA2 were associated with longer recurrence-free survival. Distant metastasis was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (HR=5.8) in multivariate analysis. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma type was associated with axial location, grade 3 and recurrent status. In conclusion, we showed that the amplification of HMGA2 was associated with the atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma histological type and a good prognosis, whereas CDK4 and JUN amplifications were associated with dedifferentiated liposarcoma histology and a bad prognosis. In addition, we also provided the first description of the molecular evolution of a well-differentiated liposarcoma into four successive dedifferentiated liposarcoma relapses, which was consistent with our general observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Saâda-Bouzid
- Laboratory of Solid Tumor Genetics, IRCAN, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France.,Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284/INSERM U1081, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.,Medical Oncology Department, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Chetaille
- Biopathology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Corinne Bouvier
- Pathology Department, Marseille University Hospital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Michel Peoc'h
- Laboratory of Pathology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Maxime Battistella
- Laboratory of Pathology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Bazin
- Laboratory of Solid Tumor Genetics, IRCAN, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Jocelyn Gal
- Department of Biostatistics, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Florence Pedeutour
- Laboratory of Solid Tumor Genetics, IRCAN, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France.,Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284/INSERM U1081, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Laurence Bianchini
- Laboratory of Solid Tumor Genetics, IRCAN, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France.,Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284/INSERM U1081, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
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Kloth L, Gottlieb A, Helmke B, Wosniok W, Löning T, Burchardt K, Belge G, Günther K, Bullerdiek J. HMGA2 expression distinguishes between different types of postpubertal testicular germ cell tumour. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2015; 1:239-51. [PMID: 27499908 PMCID: PMC4939894 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The group of postpubertal testicular germ cell tumours encompasses lesions with highly diverse differentiation – seminomas, embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumours, teratomas and choriocarcinomas. Heterogeneous differentiation is often present within individual tumours and the correct identification of the components is of clinical relevance. HMGA2 re‐expression has been reported in many tumours, including testicular germ cell tumours. This is the first study investigating HMGA2 expression in a representative group of testicular germ cell tumours with the highly sensitive method of quantitative real‐time PCR as well as with immunohistochemistry. The expression of HMGA2 and HPRT was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR in 59 postpubertal testicular germ cell tumours. Thirty specimens contained only one type of tumour and 29 were mixed neoplasms. With the exception of choriocarcinomas, at least two pure specimens from each subgroup of testicular germ cell tumour were included. In order to validate the quantitative real‐time PCR data and gather information about the localisation of the protein, additional immunohistochemical analysis with an antibody specific for HMGA2 was performed in 23 cases. Expression of HMGA2 in testicular germ cell tumours depended on the histological differentiation. Seminomas and embryonal carcinomas showed no or very little expression, whereas yolk sac tumours strongly expressed HMGA2 at the transcriptome as well as the protein level. In teratomas, the expression varied and in choriocarcinomas the expression was moderate. In part, these results contradict data from previous studies but HMGA2 seems to represent a novel marker to assist pathological subtyping of testicular germ cell tumours. The results indicate a critical role in yolk sac tumours and some forms of teratoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Kloth
- Center for Human Genetics University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Andrea Gottlieb
- Center for Human Genetics University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Burkhard Helmke
- Institute for Pathology, Elbe Clinic Stade-Buxtehude Buxtehude Germany
| | - Werner Wosniok
- Institute of Statistics, University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Thomas Löning
- Department of Pathology Albertinen Hospital Hamburg Germany
| | - Käte Burchardt
- Department of Pathology Clinical Centre Bremen-Mitte Bremen Germany
| | - Gazanfer Belge
- Center for Human Genetics University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Kathrin Günther
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS GmbH Bremen Germany
| | - Jörn Bullerdiek
- Center for Human GeneticsUniversity of Bremen BremenGermany; Institute for Medical Genetics, University of Rostock, University Medicine RostockGermany
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Chieffi P, Boscia F. New discovered molecular markers as promising therapeutic targets in germ cell tumors. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1074070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Boscia F, Passaro C, Gigantino V, Perdonà S, Franco R, Portella G, Chieffi S, Chieffi P. High levels of GPR30 protein in human testicular carcinoma in situ and seminomas correlate with low levels of estrogen receptor-beta and indicate a switch in estrogen responsiveness. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1290-7. [PMID: 25413376 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30) is suggested to be involved in non-nuclear estrogen signalling and is expressed in a variety of hormone dependent cancer entities. It is well established that oestrogens are involved in pathological germ cell proliferation including testicular germ cell tumours. This study was performed to further elucidate the role of this receptor and the possible correlation with the estrogen receptor β in human testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS), seminomas and in GC1 and TCam-2 germ cell lines; in addition, a Tissue Micro-Array was built using the most representative areas from 25 cases of human testicular seminomas and 20 cases of CIS. The expression of ERβ and GPR30 were observed by using Western blot analysis in combination with immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. Here, we show that down regulation of ERβ associates with GPR30 over-expression both in human testicular CIS and seminomas. In addition, we show that 17β-oestradiol induces the ERK1/2 activation and increases c-Fos expression through GPR30 associated with ERβ down-regulation in TCam-2 cell line. The present results suggest that exposure to oestrogens or oestrogen-mimics, in some as of yet undefined manner, diminishes the ERβ-mediated growth restraint in CIS and in human testicular seminoma, probably due to ERβ down-regulation associated to GPR30 increased expression indicating that GPR30 could be a potential therapeutic target to design specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boscia
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli "Federico II,", Naples, Italy
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Pallante P, Sepe R, Puca F, Fusco A. High mobility group a proteins as tumor markers. Front Med (Lausanne) 2015; 2:15. [PMID: 25859543 PMCID: PMC4373383 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2015.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost 30 years ago, overexpression of HMGA proteins was associated with malignant phenotype of rat thyroid cells transformed with murine retroviruses. Thereafter, several studies have analyzed HMGA expression in a wide range of human neoplasias. Here, we summarize all these results that, in the large majority of the cases, confirm the association of HMGA overexpression with high malignant phenotype as outlined by chemoresistance, spreading of metastases, and a global poor survival. Even though HMGA proteins’ overexpression indicates a poor prognosis in almost all malignancies, their detection may be particularly useful in determining the prognosis of breast, lung, and colon carcinomas, suggesting for the treatment a more aggressive therapy. In particular, the expression of HMGA2 in lung carcinomas is frequently associated with the presence of metastases. Moreover, recent data revealed that often the cause for the high HMGA proteins levels detected in human malignancies is a deregulated expression of non-coding RNA. Therefore, the HMGA proteins represent tumor markers whose detection can be a valid tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Romina Sepe
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesca Puca
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Naples , Italy ; Instituto Nacional de Câncer , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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Expression profiles of PIWIL2 short isoforms differ in testicular germ cell tumors of various differentiation subtypes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112528. [PMID: 25384072 PMCID: PMC4226551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI family proteins have recently emerged as essential contributors in numerous biological processes including germ cell development, stem cell maintenance and epigenetic reprogramming. Expression of some of the family members has been shown to be elevated in tumors. In particular, PIWIL2 has been probed as a potential neoplasia biomarker in many cancers in humans. Previously, PIWIL2 was shown to be expressed in most tumours as a set of its shorter isoforms. In this work, we demonstrated the presence of its 60 kDa (PL2L60A) and 80 kDa (PL2L80A) isoforms in testicular cancer cell lines. We also ascertained the transcriptional boundaries of mRNAs and alternative promoter regions for these PIWIL2 isoforms. Further, we probed a range of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) samples and found PIWIL2 to be predominantly expressed as PL2L60A in most of them. Importantly, the levels of both PL2L60A mRNA and protein products were found to vary depending on the differentiation subtype of TGCTs, i.e., PL2L60A expression is significantly higher in undifferentiated seminomas and appears to be substantially decreased in mixed and nonseminomatous TGCTs. The higher level of PL2L60A expression in undifferentiated TGCTs was further validated in the model system of retinoic acid induced differentiation in NT2/D1 cell line. Therefore, both PL2L60A mRNA and protein abundance could serve as an additional marker distinguishing between seminomas and nonseminomatous tumors with different prognosis and therapy approaches.
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The chemosensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2014; 37:79-94. [PMID: 24692098 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-014-0168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare cancers overall, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of cancer in young males below 40 years of age. Both subtypes of TGCTs, i.e., seminomas and non-seminomas, are highly curable and the majority of even metastatic patients may expect to be cured. These high cure rates are not due to the indolent nature of these cancers, but rather to their sensitivity to chemotherapy (and for seminomas to radiotherapy). The delineation of the cause of chemosensitivity at the molecular level is of paramount importance, because it may provide insights into the minority of TGCTs that are chemo-resistant and, thereby, provide opportunities for specific therapeutic interventions aimed at reverting them to chemosensitivity. In addition, delineation of the molecular basis of TGCT chemo-sensitivity may be informative for the cause of chemo-resistance of other more common types of cancer and, thus, may create new therapeutic leads. p53, a frequently mutated tumor suppressor in cancers in general, is not mutated in TGCTs, a fact that has implications for their chemo-sensitivity. Oct4, an embryonic transcription factor, is uniformly expressed in the seminoma and embryonic carcinoma components of non-seminomas, and its interplay with p53 may be important in the chemotherapy response of these tumors. This interplay, together with other features of TGCTs such as the gain of genetic material from the short arm of chromosome 12 and the association with disorders of testicular development, will be discussed in this paper and integrated in a unifying hypothesis that may explain their chemo-sensitivity.
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Chieffi P. An overview on new anticancer molecular targets in human testicular germ cell tumors. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-013-0280-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Recent advances in molecular and cell biology of testicular germ-cell tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 312:79-100. [PMID: 25262239 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800178-3.00003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20-40 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCTs comprise two major histologic groups: seminomas and nonseminomas germ-cell tumors (NSGCTs). NSGCTs can be further divided into embryonal, carcinoma, Teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Seminomas and NSGCTs present significant differences in clinical features, therapy, and prognosis, and both show characteristics of the primordial germ cells. Many discovered biomarkers including OCT3/4, SOX2, SOX17, HMGA1, Nek2, GPR30, Aurora-B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups and could represent useful novel molecular targets for antineoplastic strategies. More insight into the pathogenesis of TGCTs is likely to improve disease management not only to better treatment of these tumors but also to a better understanding of stem cells and oncogenesis.
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Chieffi P, Chieffi S. Molecular biomarkers as potential targets for therapeutic strategies in human testicular germ cell tumors: an overview. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1641-6. [PMID: 23359388 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), the most common malignancy in males between 15 and 34 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCTs can be subdivided into seminoma and non-seminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), including embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and teratoma. Seminomas and NSGCTs do not only present distinctive clinical features, but they also show significant differences as far as therapy and prognosis are concerned. Seminomas are highly sensitive to both radiation and chemotherapy, with a good prognosis, non-seminomas are sensitive to platinum-based combination chemotherapy and are less susceptible to radiation, with the exception of teratomas. The different therapeutic outcome might be explained by inherent properties of the cells from which testicular neoplasia originate. The unique treatment sensitivity of TGCTs is unexplained so far, but it is likely to be related to intrinsic molecular characteristics of the PGCs/gonocytes, from which these tumors originate. Many discovered bio-markers including OCT3/4, SOX2, SOX17, HMGA1, HMGA2, PATZ1, GPR30, Aurora B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups. In addition, therapeutic approaches for the treatment of TGCTs have been proposed: humanized antibodies against receptors/surface molecules on cancer cells, inhibitors of serine-threonine, and tyrosine kinases, and others. The mini-review will be an overview on the molecular alterations identified in TGCTs and on novel targeted antineoplastic strategies that might help to treat chemotherapy resistant TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, II Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy.
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Chieffi P, Chieffi S, Franco R, Sinisi AA. Recent advances in the biology of germ cell tumors: implications for the diagnosis and treatment. J Endocrinol Invest 2012; 35:1015-20. [PMID: 23143673 DOI: 10.3275/8716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20-40 yr of age, and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCT can be subdivided into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCT), including embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and teratoma. Seminomas and NSGCT do not only present distinctive clinical features, but they also show significant differences as far as therapy and prognosis are concerned. Many novel markers have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups. In addition, therapeutic approaches for the treatment of TGCT have been proposed: humanized antibodies against receptors/surface molecules on cancer cells, inhibitors of serine-threonine, and tyrosine kinases, and others. The review will focus on the recent advances in the research of molecular alterations identified in TGCT and on novel targeted anti-neoplastic strategies that might help to treat chemotherapy-resistant TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy.
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Lee CT, Zhang L, Mounajjed T, Wu TT. High mobility group AT-hook 2 is overexpressed in hepatoblastoma. Hum Pathol 2012; 44:802-10. [PMID: 23134771 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most frequent malignant hepatic tumor in children. Expression of high mobility group AT-hook 2, an architectural nuclear factor and marker for hepatic progenitor cells, has not been studied in detail in hepatocellular neoplasms. Immunohistochemical stains using antibodies against high mobility group AT-hook 2, β-catenin, glypican-3, p53, and Ki-67 were performed in 15 hepatoblastomas, 15 fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas, 34 hepatocellular carcinomas (12, ≤30 years old; 22, >30 years old), and 22 hepatic adenomas. High mobility group AT-hook 2 was expressed in all 15 hepatoblastomas, including all fetal and embryonal components, significantly higher than in 41.7% (5/12) of hepatocellular carcinomas of 30 years or younger (P = .001) and in 9% (2/22) of hepatocellular carcinomas of older than 30 years (P < .001). Aberrant β-catenin expression was detected in 80% (12/15) of hepatoblastomas, 41.6% (5/12) of hepatocellular carcinomas of 30 years or younger, and 18.2% (4/22) of hepatocellular carcinomas of older than 30 years. All 15 fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas and 22 hepatic adenomas were negative for high mobility group AT-hook 2 or β-catenin. High mobility group AT-hook 2 and β-catenin expression correlated positively (P = .017; τ = 0.522) in 34 hepatocellular carcinomas. β-Catenin and glypican-3 exhibited a distinct spatial distribution within hepatoblastomas; glypican-3 was more frequently expressed in fetal components (P = .007), whereas β-catenin tended to be more frequently expressed in embryonal components (P = .062). In conclusion, high mobility group AT-hook 2 is expressed in all hepatoblastomas and could be used as a sensitive marker in their diagnosis. High mobility group AT-hook 2 was also expressed in a subset of hepatocellular carcinomas in association with β-catenin expression; this might represent a subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic progenitor cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Esposito F, Boscia F, Gigantino V, Tornincasa M, Fusco A, Franco R, Chieffi P. The high-mobility group A1-estrogen receptor β nuclear interaction is impaired in human testicular seminomas. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3749-55. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE Although molecular targeted therapy has improved the clinical outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a complete response is rare and there are various side effects. Identifying novel target molecules is necessary to improve the clinical outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. HMGA1 is over expressed in many types of cancer and it is associated with metastatic potential. It is expressed at low levels or not expressed in normal tissue. We examined HMGA1 expression and function in human renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS HMGA1 expression in surgical specimen from patients with renal cell carcinoma was examined by immunoblot. HMGA1 expression in 6 human renal cell carcinoma cell lines was examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. The molecular effects of siRNA mediated knockdown of HMGA1 were examined in ACHN and Caki-1 cells. RESULTS Immunoblot using surgical specimen showed that HMGA1 was not expressed in normal kidney tissue but it was expressed in tumor tissue in 1 of 30 nonmetastatic (3%) and 6 of 18 metastatic (33%) cases (p=0.008). Immunoblot and immunofluorescence revealed significant nuclear expression of HMGA1 in ACHN and Caki-1 cells derived from metastatic sites. HMGA1 knockdown remarkably suppressed colony formation and induced significant apoptosis in ACHN and Caki-1 cells. HMGA1 knockdown significantly inhibited invasion and migration in vitro, and induced anoikis associated with P-Akt down-regulation in ACHN cells. CONCLUSIONS HMGA1 is a potential target for novel therapeutic modalities for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Fu J, Zhang G. Knockdown of HMGA1 expression by short/small hairpin RNA inhibits growth of ovarian carcinoma cells. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2012; 59:1-5. [PMID: 22332738 DOI: 10.1002/bab.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of downregulating high-mobility group protein A1 (HMGA1) on the tumor gene and the mechanisms underlying the antitumor of HMGA1. The efficient short/small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) of HMGA1 were constructed and transfected into human ovarian carcinoma OVCAR cells. The changes were identified by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), Western blotting, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, and invasion assay. The knockdown of HMGA1 expression in OVCAR cells could obviously change cell morphology, decrease cell proliferation, and reduce invasion in vitro. BALB/C nude mice injected with OVCAR cells transfected HMGA1 shRNA showed a significantly lower tumor weight and volume than those in the control group. Taken together, HMGA1 knockdown could reduce the growth and metastasis potentials of OVCAR cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Testicular neoplasm accounts for about 1% of all cancers in men. Over the last 40 years, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased in northern European male populations for unknown reasons. When diagnosed at early stage, testicular cancer is usually curable with a high survival rate. In the past three decades, successful multidisciplinary approaches for the management of testicular cancer have significantly increased patient survival rates. Utilization of tumor markers and accurate prognostic classification has also contributed to successful therapy. In this article, we highlight the most commonly used tumor markers and several potential "novel" markers for testicular cancer as part of the ongoing effort in biomarker research and discovery. In addition, this article also identifies several key prognostic features that have been demonstrated to play a role in predicting relapse. These features include tumor size, rete testis invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor histology. Together with tumor markers, these prognostic factors should be taken into account for risk-adapted management of testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy S Leman
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Esposito F, Boscia F, Franco R, Tornincasa M, Fusco A, Kitazawa S, Looijenga LH, Chieffi P. Down-regulation of oestrogen receptor-β associates with transcriptional co-regulator PATZ1 delocalization in human testicular seminomas. J Pathol 2011; 224:110-20. [PMID: 21381029 DOI: 10.1002/path.2846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogen exposure has been linked to a risk for the development of testicular germ cell cancers. The effects of oestrogen are now known to be mediated by oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) and ERβ subtypes, but only ERβ has been found in human germ cells of normal testis. However, its expression was markedly diminished in seminomas, embryonal cell carcinomas and mixed germ cell tumours, but remains high in teratomas. PATZ1 is a recently discovered zinc finger protein that, due to the presence of the POZ domain, acts as a transcriptional repressor affecting the basal activity of different promoters. We have previously described that PATZ1 plays a crucial role in normal male gametogenesis and that its up-regulation and mislocalization could be associated with the development of testicular germ cell tumours. Here we show that ERβ interacts with PATZ1 in normal germ cells, while down-regulation of ERβ associates with transcriptional co-regulator PATZ1 delocalization in human testicular seminomas. In addition, we show that the translocation of PATZ1 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus is regulated by cAMP, which also induces increased expression and nuclear localization of ERβ, while this effect is counteracted by using the anti-oestrogen ICI 182-780.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Esposito
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, II Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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42
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Differential expression and prognostic value of HMGA1 in pancreatic head and periampullary cancer. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:3393-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Joetzke AE, Sterenczak KA, Eberle N, Wagner S, Soller JT, Nolte I, Bullerdiek J, Murua Escobar H, Simon D. Expression of the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) and A2 (HMGA2) genes in canine lymphoma: analysis of 23 cases and comparison to control cases. Vet Comp Oncol 2010; 8:87-95. [PMID: 20579321 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5829.2010.00207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of high mobility group A (HMGA) genes was described as a prognostic marker in different human malignancies, but its role in canine haematopoietic malignancies was unknown so far. The objective of this study was to analyse HMGA1 and HMGA2 gene expression in lymph nodes of canine lymphoma patients. The expression of HMGA1 and HMGA2 was analysed in lymph node samples of 23 dogs with lymphoma and three control dogs using relative quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Relative quantity of HMGA1 was significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma compared with reference samples. HMGA2 expression did not differ between lymphoma and control dogs. With the exception of immunophenotype, comparison of disease parameters did not display any differences in HMGA1 and HMGA2 expression. The present findings indicate a role of HMGA genes in canine lymphoma. This study represents the basis for future veterinary and comparative studies dealing with their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Joetzke
- Small Animal Clinic and Research Cluster of Excellence 'REBIRTH', University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Yan YQ, Liu HT, Feng TP, Zhao JZ, Li SL. Clinical pathological significance of HMGA1 and HMGA2 protein expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:2869-2873. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i27.2869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the relationship of the protein expression of high mobility group protein AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) and HMGA2 with the development, progression, invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS: Sixty-two patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated at Anyang Tumor Hospital from February 2006 to March 2006 were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of HMGA1 and HMGA2 in 62 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma specimens, 31 tumor adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelial specimens, and 62 normal esophageal epithelial specimens.
RESULTS: The expression of HMGA1 protein was closely correlated with tumor grade, infiltration, lymphatic metastasis and TNM grade in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (χ2 = 6.649, 6.175, 5.921 and 11.341, respectively; all P < 0.05). The positive rates of HMGA1 protein expression in normal esophageal epithelium, tumor-adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium and carcinoma were 8.1% (5/62), 58.1% (18/31) and 69.4% (43/62), respectively, with a significant difference among the three groups (χ2 = 51.429, P < 0.01). The expression of HMGA2 protein was closely correlated with lymphatic metastasis and TNM grade in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (χ2 = 8.276 and 17.851, respectively; both P < 0.05). The positive rates of HMGA2 protein expression in normal esophageal epithelium, tumor-adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium and carcinoma were 71.0% (44/62), 48.4% (15/31) and 4.8% (3/62), respectively, with a significant difference among the three groups (χ2 = 57.621, P < 0.01). There is a positive correlation between the protein expression of HMGA1 and HMGA2 (γp = 0.346, P = 0.006).
CONCLUSION: HMGA1 and HMGA2 play an important role in the carcinogenesis, infiltration and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma. Combined detection of HMGA1 and HMGA2 expression may be used as a molecular parameter for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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45
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HMGA1 levels influence mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA repair efficiency. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:5426-40. [PMID: 19687300 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00105-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HMGA chromatin proteins, a family of gene regulatory factors found at only low concentrations in normal cells, are almost universally overexpressed in cancer cells. HMGA proteins are located in the nuclei of normal cells except during the late S/G(2) phases of the cell cycle, when HMGA1, one of the members of the family, reversibly migrates to the mitochondria, where it binds to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). In many cancer cells, this controlled shuttling is lost and HMGA1 is found in mitochondria throughout the cell cycle. To investigate the effects of HMGA1 on mitochondria, we employed a genetically engineered line of human MCF-7 cells in which the levels of transgenic HMGA1 protein could be reversibly controlled. "Turn-ON" and "turn-OFF" time course experiments were performed with these cells to either increase or decrease intracellular HMGA1 levels, and various mitochondrial changes were monitored. Results demonstrated that changes in both mtDNA levels and mitochondrial mass inversely paralleled changes in HMGA1 concentrations, strongly implicating HMGA1 in the regulation of these parameters. Additionally, the level of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased and the efficiency of repair of oxidatively damaged mtDNA decreased as consequences of elevated HMGA1 expression. Increased ROS levels and reduced repair efficiency in HMGA1-overexpressing cells likely contribute to the increased occurrence of mutations in mtDNA frequently observed in cancer cells.
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Barbagallo F, Paronetto MP, Franco R, Chieffi P, Dolci S, Fry AM, Geremia R, Sette C. Increased expression and nuclear localization of the centrosomal kinase Nek2 in human testicular seminomas. J Pathol 2009; 217:431-41. [DOI: 10.1002/path.2471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Chieffi P, Franco R, Portella G. Molecular and cell biology of testicular germ cell tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 278:277-308. [PMID: 19815181 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(09)78006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are relatively uncommon, they are particularly important as they tend to affect children and young men, representing the most common tumor in male aged from 20 to 40years. TGCTs are a heterogeneous group of tumors, with specific peculiarities reflecting on epidemiologic distribution and clinic-pathological features. TGCTs show a high-cure rates in both seminomas and nonseminomas and represent the model of a curable neoplasia: sensitive serum tumor markers, accurate prognostic classification, contribute to a high effectiveness of cancer therapy. However, up to 30% of patients diagnosed with metastatic nonseminomas do not achieve a durable remission, and in metastatic teratomas cisplatin-based treatment resistance has been observed. These different prognostic and therapeutic features of TGCTs highlight the need for a better understanding of the molecular biology of TGCT, that could help to improve disease management and to tailor aggressiveness of treatment to the severity of the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, II Università di Napoli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Fedele M, Franco R, Salvatore G, Paronetto MP, Barbagallo F, Pero R, Chiariotti L, Sette C, Tramontano D, Chieffi G, Fusco A, Chieffi P. PATZ1 gene has a critical role in the spermatogenesis and testicular tumours. J Pathol 2008; 215:39-47. [DOI: 10.1002/path.2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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