1
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Brignole C, Pastorino F, Perri P, Amoroso L, Bensa V, Calarco E, Ponzoni M, Corrias MV. Bone Marrow Environment in Metastatic Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102467. [PMID: 34069335 PMCID: PMC8158729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the interactions occurring in the BM environment has been facilitated by the peculiar nature of metastatic NB. In fact: (i) metastases are present at diagnosis; (ii) metastases are confined in a very specific tissue, the BM, suggestive of a strong attraction and possibility of survival; (iii) differently from adult cancers, NB metastases are available because the diagnostic procedures require morphological examination of BM; (iv) NB metastatic cells express surface antigens that allow enrichment of NB metastatic cells by immune-magnetic separation; and (v) patients with localized disease represent an internal control to discriminate specific alterations occurring in the metastatic niche from generic alterations determined by the neoplastic growth at the primary site. Here, we first review the information regarding the features of BM-infiltrating NB cells. Then, we focus on the alterations found in the BM of children with metastatic NB as compared to healthy children and children with localized NB. Specifically, information regarding all the BM cell populations and their sub-sets will be first examined in the context of BM microenvironment in metastatic NB. In the last part, the information regarding the soluble factors will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Brignole
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Loredana Amoroso
- Pediatric Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Veronica Bensa
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Enzo Calarco
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.B.); (F.P.); (P.P.); (V.B.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
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2
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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Progression of Human Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083964. [PMID: 33921337 PMCID: PMC8069919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-underestimated role of extracellular vesicles in cancer is now reconsidered worldwide by basic and clinical scientists, who recently highlighted novel and crucial activities of these moieties. Extracellular vesicles are now considered as king transporters of specific cargoes, including molecular components of parent cells, thus mediating a wide variety of cellular activities both in normal and neoplastic tissues. Here, we discuss the multifunctional activities and underlying mechanisms of extracellular vesicles in neuroblastoma, the most frequent common extra-cranial tumor in childhood. The ability of extracellular vesicles to cross-talk with different cells in the tumor microenvironment and to modulate an anti-tumor immune response, tumorigenesis, tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance will be pinpointed in detail. The results obtained on the role of extracellular vesicles may represent a panel of suggestions potentially useful in practice, due to their involvement in the response to chemotherapy, and, moreover, their ability to predict resistance to standard therapies—all issues of clinical relevance.
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3
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Marengo B, Pulliero A, Corrias MV, Leardi R, Farinini E, Fronza G, Menichini P, Monti P, Monteleone L, Valenti GE, Speciale A, Perri P, Madia F, Izzotti A, Domenicotti C. Potential Role of miRNAs in the Acquisition of Chemoresistance in Neuroblastoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020107. [PMID: 33562297 PMCID: PMC7916079 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for about 8–10% of pediatric cancers, and the main causes of death are the presence of metastases and the acquisition of chemoresistance. Metastatic NB is characterized by MYCN amplification that correlates with changes in the expression of miRNAs, which are small non-coding RNA sequences, playing a crucial role in NB development and chemoresistance. In the present study, miRNA expression was analyzed in two human MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, one sensitive (HTLA-230) and one resistant to Etoposide (ER-HTLA), by microarray and RT-qPCR techniques. These analyses showed that miRNA-15a, -16-1, -19b, -218, and -338 were down-regulated in ER-HTLA cells. In order to validate the presence of this down-regulation in vivo, the expression of these miRNAs was analyzed in primary tumors, metastases, and bone marrow of therapy responder and non-responder pediatric patients. Principal component analysis data showed that the expression of miRNA-19b, -218, and -338 influenced metastases, and that the expression levels of all miRNAs analyzed were higher in therapy responders in respect to non-responders. Collectively, these findings suggest that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of the drug response, and could be employed for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3538831
| | | | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Riccardo Leardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Emanuele Farinini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Menichini
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Monti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Andrea Speciale
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
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4
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Voglino V, Persano G, Crocoli A, Castellano A, Serra A, Giordano U, Natali GL, Di Paolo PL, Martucci C, Stracuzzi A, Inserra A. Hemorrhage During Induction Chemotherapy in Neuroblastoma: Additional Risk Factors in High-Risk Patients. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:761896. [PMID: 34869118 PMCID: PMC8635199 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.761896] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumor in children. Patients affected by neuroblastoma are stratified into low, intermediate, and high risk in terms of event-free and overall survival. Some high-risk patients have an additional risk of acute hemorrhagic complications during induction chemotherapy. Aim: To find easily and rapidly assessed parameters that help clinicians identify those patients affected by high-risk neuroblastoma who have an additional risk of hemorrhagic complications. Methods: The clinical notes of patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma from January 2013 until February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, demographic and laboratory data, biological characteristics of the tumor, and information about treatment and hospital stay were identified. Results: In the examined period, 44 patients were diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. Four of these patients had hemorrhagic complications within 2-7 days after the initiation of induction chemotherapy; two patients had hemothorax, one patient had hemoperitoneum and one patient had hemothorax and hemoperitoneum. The patient with isolated hemoperitoneum was treated with blood components transfusions, clotting factors and colloids infusions; the three patients with hemothorax underwent thoracostomy tube placement and respiratory support. At initial presentation, patients who suffered from hemorrhagic complications had a higher degree of hypertension (stage 2, p = 0.0003), higher levels of LDH (median 3,745 U/L, p = 0.009) and lower levels of hemoglobin (mean 7.6 gr/dl, p = 0.0007) compared to other high-risk patients. Conclusions: A subgroup of "additional" high-risk patients can be identified within the high-risk neuroblastoma patients based on mean arterial pressure, LDH levels and hemoglobin levels at presentation. Further studies to define cut-off values and optimal management strategies for these patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Voglino
- Surgical Oncology-General and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Persano
- Surgical Oncology-General and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Crocoli
- Surgical Oncology-General and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Onco-Hematology Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Serra
- Onco-Hematology Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Giordano
- Sport and Hypertension Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Natali
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Di Paolo
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Martucci
- Surgical Oncology-General and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stracuzzi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Inserra
- Surgical Oncology-General and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Cangelosi D, Morini M, Zanardi N, Sementa AR, Muselli M, Conte M, Garaventa A, Pfeffer U, Bosco MC, Varesio L, Eva A. Hypoxia Predicts Poor Prognosis in Neuroblastoma Patients and Associates with Biological Mechanisms Involved in Telomerase Activation and Tumor Microenvironment Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2343. [PMID: 32825087 PMCID: PMC7563184 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological and clinical heterogeneity of neuroblastoma (NB) demands novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in order to drive the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Hypoxia is a condition of low-oxygen tension occurring in poorly vascularized tumor tissues. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of NB and at developing a new clinically relevant hypoxia-based predictor of outcome. We analyzed the gene expression profiles of 1882 untreated NB primary tumors collected at diagnosis and belonging to four existing data sets. Analyses took advantage of machine learning methods. We identified NB-hop, a seven-gene hypoxia biomarker, as a predictor of NB patient prognosis, which is able to discriminate between two populations of patients with unfavorable or favorable outcome on a molecular basis. NB-hop retained its prognostic value in a multivariate model adjusted for established risk factors and was able to additionally stratify clinically relevant groups of patients. Tumors with an unfavorable NB-hop expression showed a significant association with telomerase activation and a hypoxic, immunosuppressive, poorly differentiated, and apoptosis-resistant tumor microenvironment. NB-hop defines a new population of NB patients with hypoxic tumors and unfavorable prognosis and it represents a critical factor for the stratification and treatment of NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cangelosi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
| | - Nicolò Zanardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
| | - Angela Rita Sementa
- Laboratory of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Marco Muselli
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, Italian National Research Council, 16149 Genova, Italy;
| | - Massimo Conte
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Integrated Oncology Therapies Department, Molecular Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Maria Carla Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
| | - Luigi Varesio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
| | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (N.Z.); (L.V.); (A.E.)
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6
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Morandi F, Marimpietri D, Horenstein AL, Corrias MV, Malavasi F. Microvesicles expressing adenosinergic ectoenzymes and their potential role in modulating bone marrow infiltration by neuroblastoma cells. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1574198. [PMID: 31069133 PMCID: PMC6492972 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1574198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic diffusion of Neuroblastoma (NB) cells in the bone marrow (BM) represents the most negative prognostic factors for NB patients. Multiple immune escape mechanisms are postulated as responsible. Our working hypothesis is that adenosine (ADO), an immunosuppressive molecule along with the ectoenzymatic pathways (CD39-CD73 and CD38-CD203a/PC-1-CD73) controlling its production, are involved in the dynamics of NB cells in the BM. The results indicate that ectonucleotidases are expressed by i) NB cell lines, ii) metastatic NB cells isolated from NB patients' BM, iii) microvesicles (MV) derived from both NB cell types and iv) resident BM cell populations. BM infiltration by NB cells increased CD203a/PC-1 and CD73 expression on lymphoid and myeloid cells, respectively. Expressions of ectoenzymes and GD2 (NB-associated marker) were higher on MV from NB patients' BM than in controls. Moreover, CD203a/PC-1 expression on BM-derived MV provide a basis for distinguishing NB patients with high or low BM infiltration. ADO production and consumption of related by-products were significantly higher when assessed on NB patients' MV than those from controls. MV isolated from NB patients' BM significantly downregulated in vitro T cell proliferation. Lastly, NB patients with worse prognosis are identified by a high percentage of CD38+ or CD73+ MV in the BM. In conclusion, ectonucleotidases are present and functional on NB cells, as well as in NB-infiltrated BM and in MV derived from BM. It is reasonable that MV are involved in BM infiltration by NB cells. Therefore, targeting these molecules may widen the therapeutic armamentarium for metastatic NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Danilo Marimpietri
- Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto L Horenstein
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,CeRMS, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,CeRMS, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Torino, Italy
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7
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Morandi F, Amoroso L, Dondero A, Castriconi R, Parodi S, Luksch R, Casale F, Castellano A, Garaventa A, Moretta A, Bottino C, Ponzoni M, Corrias MV. Updated clinical and biological information from the two-stage phase II study of imatinib mesylate in subjects with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1468953. [PMID: 30357053 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1468953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies support the notion that the kinase inhibitor Imatinib mesylate exerts off-target effects on cells of the immune system. After our first report of continuous daily oral administration in subjects with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma (NB, EudraCT: 2005-005778-63), here we update the clinical information and report additional information on potential surrogate markers for prediction of efficacy. Peripheral blood (PB) samples collected at study entry and after the first and second cycle of Imatinib mesylate treatment were tested for IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-10, CXCL12 and soluble (s) B7-H6 plasma levels. In addition, paired PB and bone marrow (BM) samples collected at study entry and after the second Imatinib cycle were evaluated for CXCL12, CXCR4 and NKp30 isoform mRNA levels. Correlation between each parameter level and response/outcome was then evaluated. Out of the six subjects still alive at the time of the first report, thee died after additional therapy, two for NB progression and one for a second malignancy. Three are presently alive and cured from NB at 10 years after the first Imatinib cycle. Of these, one achieved complete response (CR) during Imatinib treatment and never relapsed, one had a local relapse removed by surgery and the third received TVD as rescue therapy. Response and outcome were associated with low Imatinib exposure, whereas none of the tested immunological and molecular parameters was predictive of response/outcome. However, after Imatinib treatment NKp30 isoform mRNA levels significantly increase in BM samples, indicating that Imatinib mesylate exerted an off-target effect on NK cells in vivo. Imatinib mesylate efficacy in relapsed/refractory NB has been confirmed at a longer follow-up, supporting its inclusion in new Phase II trials for these subjects, that should envisage collection of samples to evaluate the predictive power of other potential surrogate markers of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Loredana Amoroso
- Pediatric Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Parodi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Luksch
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Castellano
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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8
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Stigliani S, Morandi F, Persico L, Lagazio C, Erminio G, Scaruffi P, Corrias MV. miRNA expression profile of bone marrow resident cells from children with neuroblastoma is not significantly different from that of healthy children. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19014-19025. [PMID: 29721180 PMCID: PMC5922374 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The miRNA expression profiles of bone marrow resident cells from children with neuroblastoma were compared to that of healthy children. No significant difference was found between localized and metastatic neuroblastoma, or between children with neuroblastoma and healthy children. By considering the fold change we identified six miRNAs over-expressed by more than 150 fold in neuroblastoma. Validation confirmed miR-221 over-expression in BM resident cells from children with neuroblastoma, regardless of localized or metastatic disease. MiR-221 over-expression was unlikely derived from neuroblastoma primary tumors or from bone marrow-infiltrating metastatic cells, since neuroblastoma cells expressed lower or similar amount of miR-221 than BM cells, respectively. To get insight on the genes potentially regulated by miR-221 we merged the list of miR-221 potential targets with the genes under-expressed by BM resident cells from children with neuroblastoma, as compared with healthy children. In silico analysis demonstrated that none of the miR-221 target genes belonged to heme biosynthetic processes found altered in children with neuroblastoma, whereas two genes associated with mitochondria. However, the encoded proteins were not under-expressed in children with neuroblastoma, making unlikely that altered erythrocyte maturation in children with neuroblastoma was mediated by miR-221. In conclusion, miRNA expression profiles of BM resident cells from children with localized and metastatic neuroblastoma were similar to that of BM resident cells from healthy children. Moreover, miRNAs expressed by neuroblastoma primary tumors or by BM-infiltrating NB cells do not appear to be involved in mediating the functional defect of erythrocyte maturation recently observed in children with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Morandi
- Experimental Therapy in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Present address: Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Persico
- Department of Economy, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Erminio
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Committees, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Krizkova S, Kepinska M, Emri G, Eckschlager T, Stiborova M, Pokorna P, Heger Z, Adam V. An insight into the complex roles of metallothioneins in malignant diseases with emphasis on (sub)isoforms/isoforms and epigenetics phenomena. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 183:90-117. [PMID: 28987322 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to a group of small cysteine-rich proteins that are ubiquitous throughout all kingdoms. The main function of MTs is scavenging of free radicals and detoxification and homeostating of heavy metals. In humans, 16 genes localized on chromosome 16 have been identified to encode four MT isoforms labelled by numbers (MT-1-MT-4). MT-2, MT-3 and MT-4 proteins are encoded by a single gene. MT-1 comprises many (sub)isoforms. The known active MT-1 genes are MT-1A, -1B, -1E, -1F, -1G, -1H, -1M and -1X. The rest of the MT-1 genes (MT-1C, -1D, -1I, -1J and -1L) are pseudogenes. The expression and localization of individual MT (sub)isoforms and pseudogenes vary at intra-cellular level and in individual tissues. Changes in MT expression are associated with the process of carcinogenesis of various types of human malignancies, or with a more aggressive phenotype and therapeutic resistance. Hence, MT (sub)isoform profiling status could be utilized for diagnostics and therapy of tumour diseases. This review aims on a comprehensive summary of methods for analysis of MTs at (sub)isoforms levels, their expression in single tumour diseases and strategies how this knowledge can be utilized in anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Krizkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kepinska
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Gabriella Emri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tomas Eckschlager
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, CZ-150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Stiborova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pokorna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Department of Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, CZ-150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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10
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Altered erythropoiesis and decreased number of erythrocytes in children with neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:53194-53209. [PMID: 28881804 PMCID: PMC5581103 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor presenting at diagnosis either as localized or metastatic disease, which mainly involves the bone marrow (BM). The physical occupancy of BM space by metastatic NB cells has been held responsible for impairment of BM function. Here, we investigated whether localized or metastatic NB may alter hematopoietic lineages’ maturation and release of mature cells in the periphery, through gene expression profiling, analysis of BM smears, cell blood count and flow cytometry analysis. Gene ontology and disease-associated analysis of the genes significantly under-expressed in BM resident cells from children with localized and metastatic NB, as compared to healthy children, indicated anemia, blood group antigens, and heme and porphyrin biosynthesis as major functional annotation clusters. Accordingly, in children with NB there was a selective impairment of erythrocyte maturation at the ortho-chromic stage that resulted in reduced erythrocyte count in the periphery, regardless of the presence of metastatic cells in the BM. By considering all NB patients, low erythrocyte count at diagnosis associated with worse survival. Moreover, in the subset of metastatic patients, low erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and hematocrit and high red cell distribution width at follow-up also associated with worse outcome. These observations provide an alternative model to the tenet that infiltrating cells inhibit BM functions due to physical occupancy of space and may open a new area of research in NB to understand the mechanism(s) responsible for such selective impairment.
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11
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Zainulabadeen A, Yao P, Zare H. Underexpression of Specific Interferon Genes Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Melanoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170025. [PMID: 28114321 PMCID: PMC5256985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Because the prognosis of melanoma is challenging and inaccurate when using current clinical approaches, clinicians are seeking more accurate molecular markers to improve risk models. Accordingly, we performed a survival analysis on 404 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort of skin cutaneous melanoma. Using our recently developed gene network model, we identified biological signatures that confidently predict the prognosis of melanoma (p-value < 10-5). Our model predicted 38 cases as low-risk and 54 cases as high-risk. The probability of surviving at least 5 years was 64% for low-risk and 14% for high-risk cases. In particular, we found that the overexpression of specific genes in the mitotic cell cycle pathway and the underexpression of specific genes in the interferon pathway are both associated with poor prognosis. We show that our predictive model assesses the risk more accurately than the traditional Clark staging method. Therefore, our model can help clinicians design treatment strategies more effectively. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the biology of melanoma and its prognosis. This is the first in vivo study that demonstrates the association between the interferon pathway and the prognosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Zainulabadeen
- Department of Computer Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Philip Yao
- Department of Computer Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Habil Zare
- Department of Computer Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
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12
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Morandi F, Pozzi S, Barco S, Cangemi G, Amoroso L, Carlini B, Pistoia V, Corrias MV. CD4 +CD25 hiCD127 - Treg and CD4 +CD45R0 +CD49b +LAG3 + Tr1 cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from children with neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1249553. [PMID: 28123887 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1249553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic spread in the bone marrow (BM) at diagnosis is the worst prognostic factor for neuroblastoma (NB) patients. Here, we analyzed the presence of two immunosuppressive cell subsets, CD4+CD25hiCD127- regulatory T (Treg) cells and CD4+CD45R0+CD49b+LAG3+ type 1 regulatory (Tr1) cells, in BM and peripheral blood (PB) samples from NB patients and controls. Frequency of both regulatory cell subsets was lower in BM and PB samples from NB patients than in respective healthy controls. No correlation was found between the frequency of Treg and Tr1 cells and prognostic factors at diagnosis, such as age and stage. Only MYCN amplification correlated to a higher number of Treg in BM and of Tr1 in PB. These findings suggested an altered trafficking of regulatory T cells in NB, but delineated a limited role of these subsets in BM microenvironment and/or periphery in NB. These observations should be considered designing immunotherapeutic approaches for metastatic NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Sarah Pozzi
- Centro Cellule Staminali, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST , Genoa, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Barco
- Laboratorio Centrale di Analisi, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cangemi
- Laboratorio Centrale di Analisi, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Carlini
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Immunology Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú, Rome, Italy
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13
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Zinc and zinc-containing biomolecules in childhood brain tumors. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:1199-1215. [PMID: 27638340 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Zinc ions are essential cofactors of a wide range of enzymes, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins. Moreover, zinc is also involved in cellular signaling and enzymes inhibition. Zinc dysregulation, deficiency, over-supply, and imbalance in zinc ion transporters regulation are connected with various diseases including cancer. A zinc ion pool is maintained by two types of proteins: (i) zinc-binding proteins, which act as a buffer and intracellular donors of zinc and (ii) zinc transporters responsible for zinc fluxes into/from cells and organelles. The decreased serum zinc ion levels have been identified in patients suffering from various cancer diseases, including head and neck tumors and breast, prostate, liver, and lung cancer. On the contrary, increased zinc ion levels have been found in breast cancer and other malignant tissues. Zinc metalloproteomes of a majority of tumors including brain ones are still not yet fully understood. Current knowledge show that zinc ion levels and detection of certain zinc-containing proteins may be utilized for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. In addition, these proteins can also be promising therapeutic targets. The aim of the present work is an overview of the importance of zinc ions, zinc transporters, and zinc-containing proteins in brain tumors, which are, after leukemia, the second most common type of childhood cancer and the second leading cause of death in children after accidents.
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14
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Stigliani S, Scaruffi P, Lagazio C, Persico L, Carlini B, Varesio L, Morandi F, Morini M, Gigliotti AR, Esposito MR, Viscardi E, Cecinati V, Conte M, Corrias MV. Deregulation of focal adhesion pathway mediated by miR-659-3p is implicated in bone marrow infiltration of stage M neuroblastoma patients. Oncotarget 2016; 6:13295-308. [PMID: 25980492 PMCID: PMC4537015 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To get insights on the metastatic process of human neuroblastoma (NB), the miRNA expression profile of bone marrow (BM)-infiltrating cells has been determined and compared to that of primary tumors.Twenty-two BM-infiltrating cells, 22 primary tumors, and 4 paired samples from patients with metastatic NB aged > 12 months were analyzed for the expression of 670 miRNAs by stem-loop RT-qPCR. The miRNAs whose expression was significantly different were subjected to selection criteria, and 20 selected miRNAs were tested in 10 additional BM-infiltrating cells and primary tumors. Among the miRNAs confirmed to be differentially expressed, miR-659-3p was further analyzed. Transfection of miR-659-3p mimic and inhibitor demonstrated the specific suppression and over-expression, respectively, of the miR-659-3p target gene CNOT1, a regulator of transcription of genes containing AU-rich element (ARE) sequence. Among the ARE-containing genes, miR-659-3p mimic and inhibitor specifically modified the expression of AKT3, BCL2, CYR61 and THSB2, belonging to the focal adhesion pathway. Most importantly, in BM-infiltrating cells CNOT1 expression was significantly higher, and that of AKT3, BCL2, THSB2 and CYR61 was significantly lower than in primary tumors. Thus, our study suggests a role of the focal adhesion pathway, regulated by miR-659-3p through CNOT1, in the human NB metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- U.O.S. Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- U.O.S. Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Luca Persico
- Department of Economy, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Carlini
- Laboratory of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi Varesio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Morandi
- Laboratory of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Gigliotti
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Committees Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Esposito
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Pediatric Research Institute, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Viscardi
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Valerio Cecinati
- UOS Divisione Oncoematologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Civile di Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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15
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Smith JR, Moreno L, Heaton SP, Chesler L, Pearson ADJ, Garrett MD. Novel pharmacodynamic biomarkers for MYCN protein and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signaling in children with neuroblastoma. Mol Oncol 2016; 10:538-52. [PMID: 26686971 PMCID: PMC5423144 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for improved therapies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma where survival rates remain low. MYCN amplification is the most common genomic change associated with aggressive neuroblastoma and drugs targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR, to activate MYCN oncoprotein degradation, are entering clinical evaluation. Our aim was to develop and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to evaluate both proof of mechanism and proof of concept for drugs that block PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity in children with neuroblastoma. We have addressed the issue of limited access to tumor biopsies for quantitative detection of protein biomarkers by optimizing a three-color fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) method to purify CD45-/GD2+/CD56+ neuroblastoma cells from bone marrow. We then developed a novel quantitative measurement of MYCN protein in these isolated neuroblastoma cells, providing the potential to demonstrate proof of concept for drugs that inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in this disease. In addition we have established quantitative detection of three biomarkers for AKT pathway activity (phosphorylated and total AKT, GSK3β and P70S6K) in surrogate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from pediatric patients. Together our new approach to neuroblastoma cell isolation for protein detection and suite of PD assays provides for the first time the opportunity for robust, quantitative measurement of protein-based PD biomarkers in this pediatric patient population. These will be ideal tools to support clinical evaluation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway drugs and their ability to target MYCN oncoprotein in upcoming clinical trials in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Smith
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom; Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom; Children's and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom; CNIO, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Simon P Heaton
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom; Children's and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D J Pearson
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom; Children's and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle D Garrett
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom.
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16
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Krizkova S, Kepinska M, Emri G, Rodrigo MAM, Tmejova K, Nerudova D, Kizek R, Adam V. Microarray analysis of metallothioneins in human diseases—A review. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2016; 117:464-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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17
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Morandi F, Corrias MV, Pistoia V. Evaluation of bone marrow as a metastatic site of human neuroblastoma. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1335:23-31. [PMID: 25315505 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Arising from neural crest cells, neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor. The clinical presentation of NB is heterogeneous, ranging from patients with asymptomatic tumor masses, who require minimal treatment, to patients with metastatic disease who are treated with multimodal therapies. Clinical outcome is also variable, with overall survival ranging from 98% to 100% in infants with stage 1 NB, to less than 30% in patients with stage 4 MYCN-amplified NB. More than 50% of patients show metastasis at diagnosis, with the involvement of different vascularized tissues, including the bone marrow (BM). In this paper, we focus on BM infiltration by NB cells, which is considered an adverse prognostic factor. In particular, we discuss the role of different biological factors that may favor the dissemination of NB cells in the BM, such as chromosomic abnormalities, gene amplification, transcription factors, cell-surface receptors, products of oncogenes, and, more importantly, cytokines and chemokines. In addition, we analyze different techniques to evaluate BM infiltration by malignant cells (i.e., flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). Finally, we review recent data regarding phenotypic and genetic characterization of BM-infiltrating malignant cells and characterization of the BM microenvironment in NB patients compared to healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratory of Oncology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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18
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Vacchelli E, Eggermont A, Fridman WH, Galon J, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Trial Watch: Immunostimulatory cytokines. Oncoimmunology 2013; 2:e24850. [PMID: 24073369 PMCID: PMC3782010 DOI: 10.4161/onci.24850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, the notion that cancer would merely constitute a cell-intrinsic disease has gradually been complemented by a model postulating that the immune system plays a relevant role during all stages of oncogenesis and tumor progression. Along with this conceptual shift, several strategies have been devised to stimulate tumor-specific immune responses, including relatively unselective approaches such as the systemic administration of adjuvants or immunomodulatory cytokines. One year ago, in the July issue of OncoImmunology, we described the main biological features of this large group of proteins and discussed the progress of ongoing clinical studies evaluating their safety and therapeutic potential in cancer patients. Here, we summarize the latest developments in this area of clinical research, focusing on high impact studies that have been published during the last 13 mo and clinical trials launched in the same period to investigate which cytokines can be employed as safe and efficient immunostimulatory interventions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Vacchelli
- Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI; Le Kremlin-Bicêtre; Paris, France ; INSERM, U848; Villejuif, France
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19
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Morandi F, Scaruffi P, Gallo F, Stigliani S, Moretti S, Bonassi S, Gambini C, Mazzocco K, Fardin P, Haupt R, Arcamone G, Pistoia V, Tonini GP, Corrias MV. Bone marrow-infiltrating human neuroblastoma cells express high levels of calprotectin and HLA-G proteins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29922. [PMID: 22253825 PMCID: PMC3253802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastases in the bone marrow (BM) are grim prognostic factors in patients with neuroblastoma (NB). In spite of extensive analysis of primary tumor cells from high- and low-risk NB patients, a characterization of freshly isolated BM-infiltrating metastatic NB cells is still lacking. Our aim was to identify proteins specifically expressed by metastatic NB cells, that may be relevant for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Sixty-six Italian children over 18 months of age, diagnosed with stage 4 NB, were included in the study. Metastatic NB cells were freshly isolated from patients' BM by positive immunomagnetic bead manipulation using anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody. Gene expression profiles were compared with those obtained from archived NB primary tumors from patients with 5 y-follow-up. After validation by RT-qPCR, expression/secretion of the proteins encoded by the up-regulated genes in the BM-infiltrating NB cells was evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA. Compared to primary tumor cells, BM-infiltrating NB cells down-modulated the expression of CX3CL1, AGT, ATP1A2 mRNAs, whereas they up-regulated several genes commonly expressed by various lineages of BM resident cells. BM-infiltrating NB cells expressed indeed the proteins encoded by the top-ranked genes, S100A8 and A9 (calprotectin), CD177 and CD3, and secreted the CXCL7 chemokine. BM-infiltrating NB cells also expressed CD271 and HLA-G. We have identified proteins specifically expressed by BM-infiltrating NB cells. Among them, calprotectin, a potent inflammatory protein, and HLA-G, endowed with tolerogenic properties facilitating tumor escape from host immune response, may represent novel biomarkers and/or targets for therapeutic intervention in high-risk NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratory of Oncology, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- Translational Oncopathology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Gallo
- Molecular Epidemiology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Stigliani
- Translational Oncopathology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Bonassi
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gambini
- Service of Pathology, Scientific Directorate, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- Translational Oncopathology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Fardin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Scientific Directorate, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Haupt
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, Scientific Directorate, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Vito Pistoia
- Laboratory of Oncology, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Tonini
- Translational Oncopathology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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