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O'Brien E, Tse C, Tracy I, Reddin I, Selfe J, Gibson J, Tapper W, Pengelly RJ, Gao J, Aladowicz E, Petts G, Thway K, Popov S, Kelsey A, Underwood TJ, Shipley J, Walters ZS. Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition combined with retinoic acid treatment promotes differentiation and apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:167. [PMID: 37858275 PMCID: PMC10588044 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01583-w] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are predominantly paediatric sarcomas thought to originate from muscle precursor cells due to impaired myogenic differentiation. Despite intensive treatment, 5-year survival for patients with advanced disease remains low (< 30%), highlighting a need for novel therapies to improve outcomes. Differentiation therapeutics are agents that induce differentiation of cancer cells from malignant to benign. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) suppresses normal skeletal muscle differentiation and is highly expressed in RMS tumours. RESULTS We demonstrate combining inhibition of the epigenetic modulator EZH2 with the differentiating agent retinoic acid (RA) is more effective at reducing cell proliferation in RMS cell lines than single agents alone. In PAX3-FOXO1 positive RMS cells this is due to an RA-driven induction of the interferon pathway resulting in apoptosis. In fusion negative RMS, combination therapy led to an EZH2i-driven upregulation of myogenic signalling resulting in differentiation. In both subtypes, EZH2 is significantly associated with enrichment of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in genes that are downregulated in untreated RMS cells and upregulated with EZH2 inhibitor treatment. These results provide insight into the mechanism that drives the anti-cancer effect of the EZH2/RA single agent and combination treatment and indicate that the reduction of EZH2 activity combined with the induction of RA signalling represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy to treat both subtypes of RMS. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of combining EZH2 inhibitors with differentiation agents for the treatment of paediatric rhabdomyosarcomas. As EZH2 inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for adult and paediatric solid tumours and retinoic acid differentiation agents are already in clinical use this presents a readily translatable potential therapeutic strategy. Moreover, as inhibition of EZH2 in the poor prognosis FPRMS subtype results in an inflammatory response, it is conceivable that this strategy may also synergise with immunotherapies for a more effective treatment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor O'Brien
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tse
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Tracy
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Reddin
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - William Tapper
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Reuben J Pengelly
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinhui Gao
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Gemma Petts
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Pathology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- Cellular Pathology Department, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Bar-Hai N, Ishay-Ronen D. Engaging plasticity: Differentiation therapy in solid tumors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944773. [PMID: 36034865 PMCID: PMC9410762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a systemic heterogeneous disease that can undergo several rounds of latency and activation. Tumor progression evolves by increasing diversity, adaptation to signals from the microenvironment and escape mechanisms from therapy. These dynamic processes indicate necessity for cell plasticity. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a major role in facilitating cell plasticity in solid tumors by inducing dedifferentiation and cell type transitions. These two practices, plasticity and dedifferentiation enhance tumor heterogeneity creating a key challenge in cancer treatment. In this review we will explore cancer cell plasticity and elaborate treatment modalities that aspire to overcome such dynamic processes in solid tumors. We will further discuss the therapeutic potential of utilizing enhanced cell plasticity for differentiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Bar-Hai
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Ishay-Ronen
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Dana Ishay-Ronen,
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Xu X, Liu Z, Li Y, Fan L, Wang S, Guo J, Luo Y, Bo H. Single Nuclear RNA Sequencing Highlights Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity and Tumor Microenvironment Complexity in Testicular Embryonic Rhabdomyosarcoma. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:493-507. [PMID: 35095281 PMCID: PMC8791304 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s343068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testicular embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a rare soft tissue tumor in children featured with high intra-tumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively delineate the testicular ERMS intra-tumoral heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment. Methods Cell types and the corresponding marker genes were identified by single-nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). Functional states of different clusters were evaluated by uniform manifold approximation and projection and differentially expressed genes. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis was constructed according to the gene expression profile to determine the correlation between candidate marker genes and the overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with osteosarcoma from TCGA. Results A total of 8868 tumor cells and 10,147 normal cells were obtained from testicular ERMS tissues. The heterogeneous malignant subtype was composed of six subgroups (C1–C6) with differential proliferative and migratory potentials. Cell trajectory analysis revealed the C1 subgroup might be the starting cells of the tumor and transform into two different types of malignant cells, C2 and C5/6, during the development of RMS. The differentially expressed genes were closely related to cell adhesion and extracellular matrix signaling pathways. Furthermore, the interaction analysis between cell subgroups (macrophages and tumor cells, endothelial cells and tumor cells) demonstrated that collagen-related gene COL6A1 plays a key role from the initiation of ERMS to the entire process of malignant transformation. Conclusion Our findings provide a new insight in the understanding of the initiation and progression of testicular ERMS and have potential value in the development of markers for the diagnosis and stratification of testicular ERMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezheng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Medical Research Center and Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Luo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yanwei Luo; Hao Bo Email ;
| | - Hao Bo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
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Mun H, Townley HE. Mechanism of Action of the Sesquiterpene Compound Helenalin in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121258. [PMID: 34959659 PMCID: PMC8703838 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma in paediatric patients. Relapsed or refractory RMS shows very low 5-year survival rates, which urgently necessitates new chemotherapy agents. Herein, the sesquiterpene lactone, helenalin, was investigated as a new potential therapeutic agent against the embryonal RMS (eRMS) and alveolar RMS (aRMS) cells. We have evaluated in vitro antiproliferative efficacy of helenalin on RMS cells by the MTT and wound healing assay, and estimated several cell death pathways by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. It was shown that helenalin was able to increase reactive oxygen species levels, decrease mitochondrial membrane potential, trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress and deactivate the NF-κB pathway. Confirmation was obtained through the use of antagonistic compounds which alleviated the effects of helenalin in the corresponding pathways. Our findings demonstrate that oxidative stress is the pivotal mechanism of action of helenalin in promoting RMS cell death in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakmin Mun
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Helen Elizabeth Townley
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-01865283792
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Skrzypek K, Adamek G, Kot M, Badyra B, Majka M. Progression and Differentiation of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Is Regulated by PAX7 Transcription Factor-Significance of Tumor Subclones. Cells 2021; 10:1870. [PMID: 34440639 PMCID: PMC8391953 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), is the most frequent soft tissue tumor in children that originates from disturbances in differentiation process. Mechanisms leading to the development of RMS are still poorly understood. Therefore, by analysis of two RMS RH30 cell line subclones, one subclone PAX7 negative, while the second one PAX7 positive, and comparison with other RMS cell lines we aimed at identifying new mechanisms crucial for RMS progression. RH30 subclones were characterized by the same STR profile, but different morphology, rate of proliferation, migration activity and chemotactic abilities in vitro, as well as differences in tumor morphology and growth in vivo. Our analysis indicated a different level of expression of adhesion molecules (e.g., from VLA and ICAM families), myogenic microRNAs, such as miR-206 and transcription factors, such as MYOD, MYOG, SIX1, and ID. Silencing of PAX7 transcription factor with siRNA confirmed the crucial role of PAX7 transcription factor in proliferation, differentiation and migration of RMS cells. To conclude, our results suggest that tumor cell lines with the same STR profile can produce subclones that differ in many features and indicate crucial roles of PAX7 and ID proteins in the development of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcin Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland; (G.A.); (M.K.); (B.B.)
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Nitani C, Hara J, Kawamoto H, Taguchi T, Kimura T, Yoshimura K, Hamada A, Kitano S, Hattori N, Ushijima T, Ono H, Nakamoto M, Higuchi T, Sato A. Phase I study of tamibarotene monotherapy in pediatric and young adult patients with recurrent/refractory solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:99-107. [PMID: 33829292 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tamibarotene is a synthetic retinoid that inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of malignant cells by binding to the retinoic acid receptor α/β. Previous in vitro studies have shown that some pediatric solid tumors with retinoic acid receptors differentiate in response to retinoic acid. We conducted a phase I dose-escalation study to determine the recommended dose of tamibarotene for further study in pediatric and young adult patients with recurrent/refractory solid tumors. METHODS Pediatric and young adult patients with recurrent/refractory solid tumors were administered tamibarotene at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mg/m2/day for 14 or 21 days of a 28 day cycle. Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of tamibarotene were evaluated. RESULTS Twenty-two patients (median age 8 years) were enrolled in this study. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was encountered, and tamibarotene was generally well tolerated. Two patients experienced severe adverse events (AEs), leading to discontinuation of the treatment. One grade 4 venous thrombosis and one grade 2 erythema multiforme were observed, which promptly resolved after tamibarotene discontinuance. The grade 4 venous thrombosis was a severe AE but not DLT because it occurred after the evaluation period. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed a dose-dependent increase in the maximum drug concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). None of the patients achieved a complete response or partial response. Seven patients had stable disease lasting longer than 18 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The recommended dose for phase II study of tamibarotene in pediatric and young adult patients with refractory solid tumors is 12 mg/m2/day for 21 days in a 28 day cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika Nitani
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, 2-13-22 Miyakojima-hondori, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka, 534-0021, Japan.
| | - Junichi Hara
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, 2-13-22 Miyakojima-hondori, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka, 534-0021, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawamoto
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Taguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshimi Kimura
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshimura
- Center for Integrated Medical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akinobu Hamada
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Hattori
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Ushijima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ono
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masako Nakamoto
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsukiko Higuchi
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sato
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
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Rubio-Solsona E, Martí S, Vílchez JJ, Palau F, Hoenicka J. ANKK1 is found in myogenic precursors and muscle fibers subtypes with glycolytic metabolism. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197254. [PMID: 29758057 PMCID: PMC5951577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) gene has been widely related to neuropsychiatry disorders. The localization of ANKK1 in neural progenitors and its correlation with the cell cycle has suggested its participation in development. However, ANKK1 functions still need to be identified. Here, we have further characterized the ANKK1 localization in vivo and in vitro, by using immunolabeling, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot in the myogenic lineage. Histologic investigations in mice and humans revealed that ANKK1 is expressed in precursors of embryonic and adult muscles. In mice embryos, ANKK1 was found in migrating myotubes where it shows a polarized cytoplasmic distribution, while proliferative myoblasts and satellite cells show different isoforms in their nuclei and cytoplasm. In vitro studies of ANKK1 protein isoforms along the myogenic progression showed the decline of nuclear ANKK1-kinase until its total exclusion in myotubes. In adult mice, ANKK1 was expressed exclusively in the Fast-Twitch muscles fibers subtype. The induction of glycolytic metabolism in C2C12 cells with high glucose concentration or treatment with berberine caused a significant increase in the ANKK1 mRNA. Similarly, C2C12 cells under hypoxic conditions caused the increase of nuclear ANKK1. These results altogether show a relationship between ANKK1 gene regulation and the metabolism of muscles during development and in adulthood. Finally, we found ANKK1 expression in regenerative fibers of muscles from dystrophic patients. Future studies in ANKK1 biology and the pathological response of muscles will reveal whether this protein is a novel muscle disease biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrella Rubio-Solsona
- CIBERER Biobank, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Martí
- CIBERER Biobank, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Vílchez
- CIBERER Biobank, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Neuromuscular Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia School of Medicine, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesc Palau
- CIBERER Biobank, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janet Hoenicka
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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8
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Williams AP, Waters AM, Stewart JE, Atigadda VR, Mroczek-Musulman E, Muccio DD, Grubbs CJ, Beierle EA. A novel retinoid X receptor agonist, UAB30, inhibits rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro. J Surg Res 2018; 228:54-62. [PMID: 29907230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While patients with early-stage rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have seen steady improvement in prognosis over the last 50 y, those with advanced-stage or high-grade disease continue to have a dismal prognosis. Retinoids have been shown to cause growth suppression and terminal differentiation in RMS cells, but the toxicities associated with retinoic acid limit its use. Rexinoids provide an alternative treatment approach to retinoic acid. Rexinoids primarily bind the retinoid X receptor with minimal retinoic acid receptor binding, the entity responsible for many of the toxicities of retinoid therapies. UAB30 is a novel rexinoid with limited toxicities. We hypothesized that UAB30 would lead to decreased cell survival in RMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two RMS cell lines, one embryonal (RD) subtype and one alveolar (St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital 30) subtype, were used. Cells were treated with UAB30, and cytotoxicity, proliferation, mobility, and apoptosis were evaluated. RESULTS UAB30 significantly decreased RMS tumor cell viability and proliferation. Invasion, migration, and attachment-independent growth were reduced following UAB30 treatment. UAB30 also resulted in apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest. UAB30 affected both the alveolar and embryonal RMS cell lines in a similar fashion. CONCLUSIONS The results of these studies suggest a potential therapeutic role for the low-toxicity synthetic retinoid X receptor selective agonist, UAB30, in RMS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele P Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Alicia M Waters
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jerry E Stewart
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Venkatram R Atigadda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Donald D Muccio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Clinton J Grubbs
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Elizabeth A Beierle
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Brown RE, Buryanek J, Katz AM, Paz K, Wolff JE. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: morphoproteomics and personalized tumor graft testing further define the biology of PAX3-FKHR(FOXO1) subtype and provide targeted therapeutic options. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46263-46272. [PMID: 27323832 PMCID: PMC5216796 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) represents a block in differentiation of malignant myoblasts. Genomic events implicated in the pathogenesis of ARMS involve PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) or PAX7-FKHR (FOXO1) translocation with corresponding fusion transcripts and fusion proteins. Commonalities in ARMS include uncontrollable proliferation and failure to differentiate. The genomic-molecular correlates contributing to the etiopathogenesis of ARMS incorporate PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) fusion protein stimulation of the IGF-1R, c-Met and GSK3-β pathways. With sequential morphoproteomic profiling on such a case in conjunction with personalized tumor graft testing, we provide an expanded definition of the biology of PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) ARMS that integrates genomics, proteomics and pharmacogenomics. Moreover, therapies that target the genomic and molecular biology and lead to tumoral regression and/or tumoral growth inhibition in a xenograft model of ARMS are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Brown
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Jamie Buryanek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Amanda M Katz
- Scientific Operations, Champions Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Keren Paz
- Scientific Operations, Champions Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Johannes E Wolff
- Present address: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA
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10
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Zito G, Naselli F, Saieva L, Raimondo S, Calabrese G, Guzzardo C, Forte S, Rolfo C, Parenti R, Alessandro R. Retinoic Acid affects Lung Adenocarcinoma growth by inducing differentiation via GATA6 activation and EGFR and Wnt inhibition. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4770. [PMID: 28684780 PMCID: PMC5500497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05047-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental task in cancer research aims at the identification of new pharmacological therapies that can affect tumor growth. Differentiation therapy might exploit this function not only for hematological diseases, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) but also for epithelial tumors, including lung cancer. Here we show that Retinoic Acid (RA) arrests in vitro and in vivo the growth of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) resistant Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). In particular, we found that RA induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in TKI resistant NSCLC cells and activates terminal differentiation programs by modulating the expression of GATA6, a key transcription factor involved in the physiological differentiation of the distal lung. In addition, our results demonstrate that RA inhibits EGFR and Wnt signaling activation, two pathways involved in NSCLC progression. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel mechanism in NSCLC that shows how RA exerts its function; we found that RA-mediated GATA6 activation is necessary for EGFR and Wnt inhibition, thus leading to 1) increased differentiation and 2) loss of proliferation. All together, these findings prove that differentiation therapy might be feasible in TKI resistant NSCLCs, and shed light on new targets to define new pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Zito
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Flores Naselli
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Saieva
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Raimondo
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Guzzardo
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Christian Rolfo
- Phase I - Early Clinical Trials Unit, Oncology Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Alessandro
- Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnology, Biology and Genetics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Abstract
The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a highly conserved protein that is regulated due to a high number of extracellular stimuli. TCTP has an important role for cell cycle and normal development. On the other side, tumor reversion and malignant transformation have been associated with TCTP. TCTP has been found among the 12 genes that are differentially expressed during mouse oocyte maturation, and an overexpression of this gene was reported in a wide variety of different cancer types. Its antiapoptotic effect is indicated by the interaction with several proapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family and the p53 tumor suppressor protein. In this article, we draw attention to the role of TCTP in cancer, especially, focusing on cell differentiation and tumor reversion, a biological process by which highly tumorigenic cells lose their malignant phenotype. This protein has been shown to be the most strongly downregulated protein in revertant cells compared to the parental cancer cells. Decreased expression of TCTP results either in the reprogramming of cancer cells into reversion or apoptosis. As conventional chemotherapy is frequently associated with the development of drug resistance and high toxicity, the urge for the development of new or additional scientific approaches falls into place. Differentiation therapy aims at reinducing differentiation backward to the nonmalignant cellular state. Here, different approaches have been reported such as the induction of retinoid pathways and the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Also, PPARγ agonists and the activation of the vitamin D receptor have been reported as potential targets in differentiation therapy. As TCTP is known as the histamine-releasing factor, antihistaminic drugs have been shown to target this protein. Antihistaminic compounds, hydroxyzine and promethazine, inhibited cell growth of cancer cells and decreased TCTP expression of breast cancer and leukemia cells. Recently, we found that two antihistaminics, levomepromazine and buclizine, inhibited cancer cell growth by direct binding to TCTP and induction of cell differentiation. These data confirmed that TCTP is an exquisite target for anticancer differentiation therapy and antihistaminics have potential to be lead compounds for the direct interaction with TCTP as new inhibitors of human TCTP and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ean-Jeong Seo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicolas Fischer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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12
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Basma H, Ghayad SE, Rammal G, Mancinelli A, Harajly M, Ghamloush F, Dweik L, El-Eit R, Zalzali H, Rabeh W, Pisano C, Darwiche N, Saab R. The synthetic retinoid ST1926 as a novel therapeutic agent in rhabdomyosarcoma. Int J Cancer 2015; 138:1528-37. [PMID: 26453552 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma in children. Despite multiple attempts at intensifying chemotherapeutic approaches to treatment, only moderate improvements in survival have been made for patients with advanced disease. Retinoic acid is a differentiation agent that has shown some antitumor efficacy in RMS cells in vitro; however, the effects are of low magnitude. E-3-(4'-hydroxyl-3'-adamantylbiphenyl-4-yl) acrylic acid (ST1926) is a novel orally available synthetic atypical retinoid, shown to have more potent activity than retinoic acid in several types of cancer cells. We used in vitro and in vivo models of RMS to explore the efficacy of ST1926 as a possible therapeutic agent in this sarcoma. We found that ST1926 reduced RMS cell viability in all tested alveolar (ARMS) and embryonal (ERMS) RMS cell lines, at readily achievable micromolar concentrations in mice. ST1926 induced an early DNA damage response (DDR), which led to increase in apoptosis, in addition to S-phase cell cycle arrest and a reduction in protein levels of the cell cycle kinase CDK1. Effects were irrespective of TP53 mutational status. Interestingly, in ARMS cells, ST1926 treatment decreased PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein levels, and this suppression occurred at a post-transcriptional level. In vivo, ST1926 was effective in inhibiting growth of ARMS and ERMS xenografts, and induced a prominent DDR. We conclude that ST1926 has preclinical efficacy against RMS, and should be further developed in this disease in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Basma
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sandra E Ghayad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, EDST, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghina Rammal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, EDST, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Angelo Mancinelli
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Mohammad Harajly
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Ghamloush
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Loai Dweik
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabab El-Eit
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zalzali
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wissam Rabeh
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Claudio Pisano
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raya Saab
- Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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13
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MicroRNA-27a Contributes to Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Proliferation by Suppressing RARA and RXRA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125171. [PMID: 25915942 PMCID: PMC4410939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are rare but very aggressive childhood tumors that arise as a consequence of a regulatory disruption in the growth and differentiation pathways of myogenic precursor cells. According to morphological criteria, there are two major RMS subtypes: embryonal RMS (ERMS) and alveolar RMS (ARMS) with the latter showing greater aggressiveness and metastatic potential with respect to the former. Efforts to unravel the complex molecular mechanisms underlying RMS pathogenesis and progression have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in tumorigenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings The expression profiles of 8 different RMS cell lines were analyzed to investigate the involvement of miRNAs in RMS. The miRNA population from each cell line was compared to a reference sample consisting of a balanced pool of total RNA extracted from those 8 cell lines. Sixteen miRNAs whose expression discriminates between translocation-positive ARMS and negative RMS were identified. Attention was focused on the role of miR-27a that is up-regulated in the more aggressive RMS cell lines (translocation-positive ARMS) in which it probably acts as an oncogene. MiR-27a overexpressing cells showed a significant increase in their proliferation rate that was paralleled by a decrease in the number of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. It was possible to demonstrate that miR-27a is implicated in cell cycle control by targeting the retinoic acid alpha receptor (RARA) and retinoic X receptor alpha (RXRA). Conclusions Study results have demonstrated that miRNA expression signature profiling can be used to classify different RMS subtypes and suggest that miR-27a may have a therapeutic potential in RMS by modulating the expression of retinoic acid receptors.
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14
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Abstract
Overcoming a presumed differentiation block in the childhood muscle cancer embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is often thought to hold promise as an approach to replace cytotoxic chemotherapy with molecularly-targeted differentiation therapies. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Tremblay and colleagues implicate YAP1 and the Hippo signaling pathway in the maintenance of differentiation-arrested and proliferative phenotypes for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Svalina
- Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Charles Keller
- Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA.
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15
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Palomares T, García-Alonso I, San Isidro R, Méndez J, Alonso-Varona A. All-trans-retinoic acid counteract the tumor-stimulating effect of hepatectomy and increases survival of rats bearing liver metastases. J Surg Res 2013; 188:143-51. [PMID: 24439134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated a stimulating effect of hepatectomy on residual tumor cells after resection of liver metastases. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on the protumor effect of hepatectomy and survival of hepatectomized rats bearing liver metastases. We also explored whether ATRA interfered with the tumor promoting effect of hepatotropic growth factors (GFs). METHODS The in vitro effect of ATRA on proliferation of S4MH rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells was assessed when cultured with laparotomized or hepatectomized rat serum (HRS), or in the presence of GFs (hepatocyte growth factor, insulin growth factor 2, Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-BB, and vascular endothelial growth factor). For the in vivo studies, rats were partially hepatectomized on day 10 after metastasis induction, one group being treated with ATRA from day 7 to 14, and a second receiving cyclophosphamide (CY; on days 10 and 14) alone or with ATRA. We determined the size and number of liver and lung metastases. Finally, we analyzed the effect of treatments on rat survival. RESULTS Hepatotropic GFs increased cell proliferation in a similar manner to HRS. In vitro, ATRA blocked the protumor effect of both HRS and GFs. In vivo, ATRA reduced the size and number of liver and lung metastases, and significantly increased rat survival. Furthermore, adding ATRA to CY significantly increased survival compared with CY alone. CONCLUSIONS In our model, ATRA minimizes the tumor-stimulating effect of hepatectomy, reducing the number and size of liver metastases and improving survival. The results suggest that the ATRA may be useful for blocking the growth-promoting effect of hepatotropic GFs released after liver metastasis resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodoro Palomares
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Alonso
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Roberto San Isidro
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Jaime Méndez
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Alonso-Varona
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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16
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Walters ZS, Villarejo-Balcells B, Olmos D, Buist TWS, Missiaglia E, Allen R, Al-Lazikani B, Garrett MD, Blagg J, Shipley J. JARID2 is a direct target of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein and inhibits myogenic differentiation of rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Oncogene 2013; 33:1148-57. [PMID: 23435416 PMCID: PMC3982124 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children and characteristically show features of developing skeletal muscle. The alveolar subtype is frequently associated with a PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein that is known to contribute to the undifferentiated myogenic phenotype of RMS cells. Histone methylation of lysine residues controls developmental processes in both normal and malignant cell contexts. Here we show that JARID2, which encodes a protein known to recruit various complexes with histone-methylating activity to their target genes, is significantly overexpressed in RMS with PAX3-FOXO1 compared with the fusion gene-negative RMS (t-test; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses showed that higher JARID2 levels are also associated with metastases at diagnosis, independent of fusion gene status and RMS subtype (n = 120; P = 0.039). JARID2 levels were altered by silencing or overexpressing PAX3-FOXO1 in RMS cell lines with and without the fusion gene, respectively. Consistent with this, we demonstrated that JARID2 is a direct transcriptional target of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein. Silencing JARID2 resulted in reduced cell proliferation coupled with myogenic differentiation, including increased expression of Myogenin (MYOG) and Myosin Light Chain (MYL1) in RMS cell lines representative of both the alveolar and embryonal subtypes. Induced myogenic differentiation was associated with a decrease in JARID2 levels and this phenotype could be rescued by overexpressing JARID2. Furthermore, we that showed JARID2 binds to and alters the methylation status of histone H3 lysine 27 in the promoter regions of MYOG and MYL1 and that the interaction of JARID2 at these promoters is dependent on EED, a core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Therefore, JARID2 is a downstream effector of PAX3-FOXO1 that maintains an undifferentiated myogenic phenotype that is characteristic of RMS. JARID2 and other components of PRC2 may represent novel therapeutic targets for treating RMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z S Walters
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK
| | - B Villarejo-Balcells
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK
| | - D Olmos
- 1] Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK [2] Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - T W S Buist
- 1] Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK [2] Computational Biology and Chemogenomics, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London, UK
| | - E Missiaglia
- 1] Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK [2] Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - R Allen
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK
| | - B Al-Lazikani
- Computational Biology and Chemogenomics, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London, UK
| | - M D Garrett
- Cell Cycle Control Team, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK
| | - J Blagg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London, UK
| | - J Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, London, UK
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17
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Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic events within a cell which promote a block in normal development or differentiation coupled with unregulated proliferation are hallmarks of neoplastic transformation. Differentiation therapy involves the use of agents with the ability to induce differentiation in cells that have lost this ability, i.e. cancer cells. The promise of differentiation-based therapy as a viable treatment modality is perhaps best characterized by the addition of retinoids in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) revolutionizing the management of APML and dramatically improving survival. However, interest and application of differentiationbased therapy for the treatment of solid malignancies have lagged due to deficiencies in our understanding of differentiation pathways in solid malignancies. Over the past decade, a differentiation-based developmental model for solid tumors has emerged providing insights into the biology of various solid tumors as well as identification of targetable pathways capable of re-activating blocked terminal differentiation programs. Furthermore, a variety of agents including retinoids, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI), PPARγ agonists, and others, currently in use for a variety of malignancies, have been shown to induce differentiation in solid tumors. Herein we discuss the relevancy of differentiation-based therapies in solid tumors, using soft tissue sarcomas (STS) as a biologic and clinical model, and review the preclinical data to support its role as a promising modality of therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filemon Dela Cruz
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Al-Tahan A, Sarkis O, Harajly M, Baghdadi OK, Zibara K, Boulos F, Dighe D, Kregel S, Bazarbachi A, El-Sabban M, Skapek SX, Saab R. Retinoic acid fails to induce cell cycle arrest with myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58:877-84. [PMID: 21755593 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.23246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Current treatment strategies do not cure most children with recurrent or high-risk disease, underlying the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Retinoic acid has been shown to induce differentiation in a variety of cells including skeletal myoblasts and neuroblasts. In the setting of minimal residual disease, retinoic acid improves survival in neuroblastoma, another poorly differentiated childhood tumor. Whether such an approach is useful for rhabdomyosarcoma has not yet been investigated. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated an appreciable effect of retinoic acid on human RMS cellular proliferation and differentiation. PROCEDURE We assessed the efficacy of ATRA on rhabdomyosarcoma, in vitro and in vivo, using cell lines and xenografts. RESULTS ATRA slowed RMS cell proliferation, and promoted a more differentiated myogenic phenotype in both alveolar and embryonal RMS cell lines. Treatment of cultured murine myoblasts with retinoids increased Myogenin expression, but did not induce cell cycle arrest. Despite the favorable in vitro effects, ATRA failed to delay relapse of minimal residual disease using human RMS xenografts in immuno-suppressed NOD-SCID (NSG) mice. Interestingly, tumors that recurred after ATRA treatment showed evidence of enhanced muscle differentiation. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that ATRA could increase the expression of some genes associated with muscle differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma cells, but there was no benefit of single-agent therapy in an MRD model, likely because cell cycle arrest was uncoupled from the pro-differentiation effects of retinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Al-Tahan
- Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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19
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Wegert J, Bausenwein S, Kneitz S, Roth S, Graf N, Geissinger E, Gessler M. Retinoic acid pathway activity in Wilms tumors and characterization of biological responses in vitro. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:136. [PMID: 22067876 PMCID: PMC3239322 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumor (WT) is one of the most common malignancies in childhood. With current therapy protocols up to 90% of patients can be cured, but there is still a need to improve therapy for patients with aggressive WT and to reduce treatment intensity where possible. Prior data suggested a deregulation of the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway in high-risk WT, but its mode of action remained unclear. RESULTS The association of retinoid signaling and clinical parameters could be validated in a large independent tumor set, but its relevance in primary nephrectomy tumors from very young children may be different. Reduced RA pathway activity and MYCN overexpression were found in high risk tumors as opposed to tumors with low/intermediate risk, suggesting a beneficial impact of RA especially on advanced WT. To search for possible modes of action of retinoids as novel therapeutic options, primary tumor cell cultures were treated in vitro with all-trans-RA (ATRA), 9cis-RA, fenretinide and combinations of retinoids and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Genes deregulated in high risk tumors showed opposite changes upon treatment suggesting a positive effect of retinoids. 6/7 primary cultures tested reduced proliferation, irrespective of prior RA signaling levels. The only variant culture was derived from mesoblastic nephroma, a distinct childhood kidney neoplasm. Retinoid/HDAC inhibitor combinations provided no synergistic effect. ATRA and 9cis-RA induced morphological changes suggestive of differentiation, while fenretinide induced apoptosis in several cultures tested. Microarray analysis of ATRA treated WT cells revealed differential expression of many genes involved in extracellular matrix formation and osteogenic, neuronal or muscle differentiation. The effects documented appear to be reversible upon drug withdrawal, however. CONCLUSIONS Altered retinoic acid signaling has been validated especially in high risk Wilms tumors. In vitro testing of primary tumor cultures provided clear evidence of a potential utility of retinoids in Wilms tumor treatment based on the analysis of gene expression, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Wegert
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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20
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Xu J, Timares L, Heilpern C, Weng Z, Li C, Xu H, Pressey JG, Elmets CA, Kopelovich L, Athar M. Targeting wild-type and mutant p53 with small molecule CP-31398 blocks the growth of rhabdomyosarcoma by inducing reactive oxygen species-dependent apoptosis. Cancer Res 2010; 70:6566-76. [PMID: 20682800 PMCID: PMC2922473 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-0942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood in need of more effective therapeutic options. The expression of p53 in RMS is heterogeneous such that some tumors are wild-type whereas others are p53 mutant. The small molecule CP-31398 modulates both the wild-type and the mutant p53 proteins. Here, we show that CP-31398 blocks the growth of RMS cells that have either wild-type or mutant p53 status. In wild-type A204 cells, CP-31398 increased the expression of p53 and its downstream transcriptional targets, p21 and mdm2; enhanced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins; and reduced proliferation biomarkers. Flow profiling of CP-31398-treated cells indicated an enhancement in sub-G(0) and G(1) populations. CP-31398 inhibited proliferation in a manner associated with co-induction of SOX9 and p21. Apoptosis induced by CP-31398 occurred with translocation of p53 to mitochondria, leading to altered mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and reactive oxygen species release. In vivo, CP-31398 decreased the growth of tumor xenografts composed of wild-type or mutant p53 tumor cells, increasing tumor-free host survival. Our findings indicate that the ability of CP-31398 to modulate wild-type and mutant p53 results in the inhibition of RMS growth and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Laura Timares
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Clay Heilpern
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Changzhao Li
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Joseph G. Pressey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Craig A. Elmets
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Levy Kopelovich
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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21
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Abstract
Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood with the ability to resist apoptosis by the activation of survival promoting and anti-apoptotic proteins. Methods: Efficacy of the apoptosis-inducing agent betulinic acid (BA) was determined in RMS cell cultures and in vivo by measuring cell viability, survival, apoptosis, hedgehog signalling activity, and neovascularisation. Results: Betulinic acid had a strong cytotoxic effect on RMS cells in a dose-dependent manner. The BA treatment caused a massive induction of apoptosis mediated by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, which could be inhibited by the broad-range caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk. Exposure of hedgehog-activated RMS-13 cells to BA resulted in a strong decrease in GLI1, GLI2, PTCH1, and IGF2 expression as well as hedgehog-responsive luciferase activity. Intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg BA per kg per day significantly retarded growth of RMS-13 xenografts in association with markedly higher counts of apoptotic cells and down-regulation of GLI1 expression compared with control tumours, while leaving microvascular density, cell proliferation, and myogenic differentiation unaffected. Conclusion: Our data show that induction of apoptosis and inhibition of hedgehog signalling are important features of the anti-tumourigenic effect of BA in RMS and advices this compound for the use in a multimodal therapy of this highly aggressive paediatric tumour.
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22
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Missiaglia E, Shepherd CJ, Patel S, Thway K, Pierron G, Pritchard-Jones K, Renard M, Sciot R, Rao P, Oberlin O, Delattre O, Shipley J. MicroRNA-206 expression levels correlate with clinical behaviour of rhabdomyosarcomas. Br J Cancer 2010; 102:1769-77. [PMID: 20502458 PMCID: PMC2883695 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) are primarily paediatric sarcomas that resemble developing skeletal muscle. Our aim was to determine the effects of microRNAs (miRNA) that have been implicated in muscle development on the clinical behaviour of RMSs. Methods: Expression levels of miR-1, miR-206, miR-133a and miR-133b were quantified by RT–PCR in 163 primary paediatric RMSs, plus control tissues, and correlated with clinico-pathological features. Correlations with parallel gene expression profiling data for 84 samples were used to identify pathways associated with miR-206. Synthetic miR-206 was transfected into RMS cell lines and phenotypic responses assessed. Results: Muscle-specific miRNAs levels were lower in RMSs compared with skeletal muscle but generally higher than in other normal tissues. Low miR-206 expression correlated with poor overall survival and was an independent predictor of shorter survival in metastatic embryonal and alveolar cases without PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion genes. Low miR-206 expression also significantly correlated with high SIOP stage and the presence of metastases at diagnosis. High miR-206 expression strongly correlated with genes linked to muscle differentiation and low expression was associated with genes linked to MAPkinase and NFKappaB pathway activation. Increasing miR-206 expression in cell lines inhibited cell growth and migration and induced apoptosis that was associated with myogenic differentiation in some, but not all, cell lines. Conclusion: miR-206 contributes to the clinical behaviour of RMSs and the pleiotropic effects of miR-206 supports therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Missiaglia
- Molecular Cytogenetics Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
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23
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Hecker RM, Amstutz RA, Wachtel M, Walter D, Niggli FK, Schäfer BW. p21 Downregulation is an important component of PAX3/FKHR oncogenicity and its reactivation by HDAC inhibitors enhances combination treatment. Oncogene 2010; 29:3942-52. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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24
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Abstract
Development of chemotherapeutic treatment modalities resulted in a dramatic increase in the survival of children with many types of cancer. Still, in case of some pediatric cancer entities including rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, survival of patients remains dismal and novel treatment approaches are urgently needed. Therefore, based on the concept of targeted therapy, numerous potential targets for the treatment of these cancers have been evaluated pre-clinically or in some cases even clinically during the last decade. This review gives an overview over many different potential therapeutic targets for treatment of these childhood sarcomas, including receptor tyrosine kinases, intracellular signaling molecules, cell cycle and apoptosis regulators, proteasome, hsp90, histone deacetylases, angiogenesis regulators and sarcoma specific fusion proteins. The large number of potential therapeutic targets suggests that improved comparability of pre-clinical models might be necessary to prioritize the most effective ones for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Wachtel
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Oncology, Zürich, Switzerland
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Activation of RXR and RAR signaling promotes myogenic differentiation of myoblastic C2C12 cells. Differentiation 2009; 78:195-204. [PMID: 19560855 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation of embryonic and adult myogenic progenitors undergoes a complex series of cell rearrangements and specification events which are controlled by distinct gene regulatory networks. Delineation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle specification and formation should be important for understanding congenital myopathies and muscular degenerative diseases. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling plays an important role in development. However, the role of RA signaling in adult myogenic progenitors is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of RA signaling in regulating myogenic differentiation of myoblastic progenitor cells. Using the mouse myoblast progenitor C2C12 line as a model, we have found that the endogenous expression of most RAR and RXR isotypes is readily detected. While the nuclear receptor co-repressors are highly expressed, two of the three nuclear receptor co-activators and the enzymes involved in RA synthesis are expressed at low level or undetectable, suggesting that the RA signaling pathway may be repressed in myogenic progenitors. Using the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter-driven reporter (MyHC-GLuc), we have demonstrated that either ATRA or 9CRA is able to effectively induce myogenic differentiation, which can be synergistically enhanced when both ATRA and 9CRA are used. Upon ATRA and 9CRA treatment of C2C12 cells the expression of late myogenic markers significantly increases. We have further shown that adenovirus-mediated exogenous expression of RARalpha and/or RXRalpha is able to effectively induce myogenic differentiation in a ligand-independent fashion. Morphologically, ATRA- and 9CRA-treated C2C12 cells exhibit elongated cell body and become multi-nucleated myoblasts, and even form myoblast fusion. Ultrastructural analysis under transmission electron microscope reveals that RA-treated myogenic progenitor cells exhibit an abundant presence of muscle fibers. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that RA signaling may play an important role in regulating myogenic differentiation.
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Makawita S, Ho M, Durbin AD, Thorner PS, Malkin D, Somers GR. Expression of insulin-like growth factor pathway proteins in rhabdomyosarcoma: IGF-2 expression is associated with translocation-negative tumors. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2009; 12:127-35. [PMID: 18788888 DOI: 10.2350/08-05-0477.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown a significant involvement of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling components in the pathogenesis of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Furthermore, there has been some evidence to indicate that differential expression of IGF pathway genes can distinguish RMS subtypes. The present study utilized immunohistochemistry to determine the expression patterns of IGF1, IGF2, IGF binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), IGF receptor 1 (IGF1R), and IGF receptor 2 (IGF2R) in 24 embryonal RMS (ERMS) and 8 alveolar RMS (ARMS). A majority of tumors were positive for IGF2, IGFBP2, IGF1R, and IGF2R and negative for IGF1 expression. However, only IGF2 showed a significant difference in expression between the ERMS and ARMS subtypes, with higher levels of expression in ERMS (P = 0.0003). Within the ARMS subtype, IGF2 positivity was limited to PAX/FKHR translocation-negative tumors. The staining pattern for all 5 proteins was diffuse cytoplasmic in the majority of tumors. Analysis of RMS cell lines by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for IGF2 expression revealed significantly higher mean expression levels in ERMS and translocation-negative ARMS cell lines when compared to translocation-positive ARMS cell lines (P = 0.0027). Stable introduction of PAX3/FKHR into an ERMS cell line also demonstrated a significant reduction in IGF2 expression. The results of this study show that expression of the IGF2 ligand is associated with translocation-negative tumors and may serve as a diagnostic aid in distinguishing RMS subtypes. Furthermore, the in vitro results are supportive of a role for the PAX3/FKHR fusion gene in the inhibition of IGF2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Makawita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Palomares T, Castro B, del Olmo M, Iglesias A, Bilbao P, Alonso-Varona A. Influence of the level of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase activity on the response of poorly and moderately differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines to all-trans-retinoic acid. Anticancer Drugs 2006; 17:1127-39. [PMID: 17075312 DOI: 10.1097/01.cad.0000236308.27962.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation therapy with retinoic acid has been considered a potential approach for treating rhabdomyosarcoma. Analysis of retinoids as differentiating agents for rhabdomyosarcoma is, however, rendered incomplete by the fact that some rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines are retinoic acid resistant. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on two rat tumour cell lines, derived from the same rhabdomyosarcoma tumour model (i.e. the moderately differentiated low metastatic F21 cell line and the poorly differentiated high metastatic S4MH cell line), to discover how degree of differentiation and glutathione metabolism influence response to this retinoic acid derivative. We observed that whereas in the S4MH cell line all-trans-retinoic acid induced a significant inhibition of tumorigenic potential, in F21 cells all-trans-retinoic acid enhanced tumour growth and only at a higher dose was there a slight antiproliferative effect. These effects were in consonance with the activity level of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, which was significantly increased in F21 cells, but not in S4MH cells, in response to the all-trans-retinoic acid-induced increase in reactive oxygen species. The pro-tumour effect observed in F21 cells was reversed by adding buthionine sulphoximide, a specific cellular glutathione-depleting agent, to the all-trans-retinoic acid treatment. This combination produced a decrease in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity, and an increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the response to all-trans-retinoic-acid of the tumour cell lines studied is influenced by the strong relationship between intracellular glutathione content, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity and degree of differentiation of the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, and that this relationship should be taken into account when identifying 'retinoid-sensitive' tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodoro Palomares
- Department of Surgery, Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain.
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