1
|
Chauhan S, Lian E, Habib I, Liu Q, Anders NM, Bugg MM, Federman NC, Reid JM, Stewart CF, Cates T, Michalek JE, Keller C. Entinostat as a combinatorial therapeutic for rhabdomyosarcoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18936. [PMID: 39147820 PMCID: PMC11327338 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66545-5] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. For the alveolar subtype (ARMS), the presence of the PAX3::FOXO1 fusion gene and/or metastases are strong predictors of poor outcome. Metastatic PAX3::FOXO1+ ARMS often responds to chemotherapies initially, only to subsequently relapse and become resistant with most patients failing to survive beyond 8 years post-diagnosis. No curative intent phase II or phase III clinical trial has been available for patients in the past 10 years (ARST0921). Thus, metastatic ARMS represents a significantly unmet clinical need. Chemotherapy resistance in ARMS has previously been attributed to PAX3::FOXO1-mediated cell cycle checkpoint adaptation, which is mediated by an HDAC3-SMARCA4-miR-27a-PAX3::FOXO1 circuit that can be disrupted by HDAC3 inhibition. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of combining the epigenetic regulator entinostat, a Class I Histone Deacetylase (HDAC1-3) inhibitor, with RMS-specific chemotherapies in patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of RMS. We identified single agent, additive or synergistic relationships between relapse-specific chemotherapies and clinically relevant drug exposures of entinostat in three PAX3::FOXO1+ ARMS mouse models. This preclinical data provides further rationale for clinical investigation of entinostat, already known to be well tolerated in a pediatric phase I clinical trial (ADVL1513).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Chauhan
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Emily Lian
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Iman Habib
- Champions Oncology, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nicole M Anders
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Megan M Bugg
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Noah C Federman
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Ángeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel M Reid
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | | | - Joel E Michalek
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Charles Keller
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kucinski JP, Calderon D, Kendall GC. Biological and therapeutic insights from animal modeling of fusion-driven pediatric soft tissue sarcomas. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050704. [PMID: 38916046 PMCID: PMC11225592 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050704] [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] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Survival for children with cancer has primarily improved over the past decades due to refinements in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Although these general therapies are sometimes curative, the cancer often recurs, resulting in poor outcomes for patients. Fusion-driven pediatric soft tissue sarcomas are genetically defined by chromosomal translocations that create a chimeric oncogene. This distinctive, almost 'monogenic', genetic feature supports the generation of animal models to study the respective diseases in vivo. This Review focuses on a subset of fusion-driven pediatric soft tissue sarcomas that have transgenic animal tumor models, which includes fusion-positive and infantile rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma and clear cell sarcoma. Studies using the animal models of these sarcomas have highlighted that pediatric cancers require a specific cellular state or developmental stage to drive tumorigenesis, as the fusion oncogenes cause different outcomes depending on their lineage and timing of expression. Therefore, understanding these context-specific activities could identify targetable activities and mechanisms critical for tumorigenesis. Broadly, these cancers show dependencies on chromatin regulators to support oncogenic gene expression and co-opting of developmental pathways. Comparative analyses across lineages and tumor models will further provide biological and therapeutic insights to improve outcomes for these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack P. Kucinski
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology PhD Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Delia Calderon
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology PhD Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Genevieve C. Kendall
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology PhD Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martynov I, Dhaka L, Wilke B, Hoyer P, Vahdad MR, Seitz G. Contemporary preclinical mouse models for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma: from bedside to bench to bedside. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1333129. [PMID: 38371622 PMCID: PMC10869630 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1333129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft-tissue malignancy, characterized by high clinicalopathological and molecular heterogeneity. Preclinical in vivo models are essential for advancing our understanding of RMS oncobiology and developing novel treatment strategies. However, the diversity of scholarly data on preclinical RMS studies may challenge scientists and clinicians. Hence, we performed a systematic literature survey of contemporary RMS mouse models to characterize their phenotypes and assess their translational relevance. Methods We identified papers published between 01/07/2018 and 01/07/2023 by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases. Results Out of 713 records screened, 118 studies (26.9%) were included in the qualitative synthesis. Cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) were the most commonly utilized (n = 75, 63.6%), followed by patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and syngeneic models, each accounting for 11.9% (n = 14), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) (n = 7, 5.9%). Combinations of different model categories were reported in 5.9% (n = 7) of studies. One study employed a virus-induced RMS model. Overall, 40.0% (n = 30) of the studies utilizing CDX models established alveolar RMS (aRMS), while 38.7% (n = 29) were embryonal phenotypes (eRMS). There were 20.0% (n = 15) of studies that involved a combination of both aRMS and eRMS subtypes. In one study (1.3%), the RMS phenotype was spindle cell/sclerosing. Subcutaneous xenografts (n = 66, 55.9%) were more frequently used compared to orthotopic models (n = 29, 24.6%). Notably, none of the employed cell lines were derived from primary untreated tumors. Only a minority of studies investigated disseminated RMS phenotypes (n = 16, 13.6%). The utilization areas of RMS models included testing drugs (n = 64, 54.2%), studying tumorigenesis (n = 56, 47.5%), tumor modeling (n = 19, 16.1%), imaging (n = 9, 7.6%), radiotherapy (n = 6, 5.1%), long-term effects related to radiotherapy (n = 3, 2.5%), and investigating biomarkers (n = 1, 0.8%). Notably, no preclinical studies focused on surgery. Conclusions This up-to-date review highlights the need for mouse models with dissemination phenotypes and cell lines from primary untreated tumors. Furthermore, efforts should be directed towards underexplored areas such as surgery, radiotherapy, and biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Illya Martynov
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lajwanti Dhaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wilke
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul Hoyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - M. Reza Vahdad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Guido Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Selim O, Song C, Kumar A, Phelan R, Singh A, Federman N. A review of the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in rhabdomyosarcoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244035. [PMID: 37664028 PMCID: PMC10471891 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the putative role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and the effects of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) on RMS by elucidating and highlighting known oncogenic pathways, mechanisms of resistance, and the synergistic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors. We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for the keywords "Rhabdomyosarcoma, histone deacetylase, histone deacetylase inhibitors." We excluded three publications that did not permit access to the full text to review and those that focus exclusively on pleiomorphic RMS in adults. Forty-seven papers met the inclusion criteria. This review highlights that HDACi induce cytotoxicity, cell-cycle arrest, and oxidative stress in RMS cells. Ultimately, HDACi have been shown to increase apoptosis and the cessation of embryonal and alveolar RMS proliferation in vivo and in vitro, both synergistically and on its own. HDACi contain potent therapeutic potential against RMS. This review discusses the significant findings and the biological mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of HDACi. Additionally, this review highlights important clinical trials assessing the efficacy of HDACi in sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Selim
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Clara Song
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy Kumar
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca Phelan
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Arun Singh
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Noah Federman
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eichner LJ, Curtis SD, Brun SN, McGuire CK, Gushterova I, Baumgart JT, Trefts E, Ross DS, Rymoff TJ, Shaw RJ. HDAC3 is critical in tumor development and therapeutic resistance in Kras-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd3243. [PMID: 36930718 PMCID: PMC10022903 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add3243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
HDAC3 is one of the main targets of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in clinical development as cancer therapies, yet the in vivo role of HDAC3 in solid tumors is unknown. We identified a critical role for HDAC3 in Kras-mutant lung cancer. Using genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), we found that HDAC3 is required for lung tumor growth in vivo. HDAC3 was found to direct and enhance the transcription effects of the lung cancer lineage transcription factor NKX2-1 to mediate expression of a common set of target genes. We identified FGFR1 as a critical previously unidentified target of HDAC3. Leveraging this, we identified that an HDAC3-dependent transcriptional cassette becomes hyperactivated as Kras/LKB1-mutant cells develop resistance to the MEK inhibitor trametinib, and this can be reversed by treatment with the HDAC1/HDAC3 inhibitor entinostat. We found that the combination of entinostat plus trametinib treatment elicits therapeutic benefit in the Kras/LKB1 GEMM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian J. Eichner
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Stephanie D. Curtis
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sonja N. Brun
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Caroline K. McGuire
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Irena Gushterova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Joshua T. Baumgart
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Elijah Trefts
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Debbie S. Ross
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Tammy J. Rymoff
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Reuben J. Shaw
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Donovan J, Deng Z, Bian F, Shukla S, Gomez-Arroyo J, Shi D, Kalinichenko VV, Kalin TV. Improving anti-tumor efficacy of low-dose Vincristine in rhabdomyosarcoma via the combination therapy with FOXM1 inhibitor RCM1. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1112859. [PMID: 36816948 PMCID: PMC9933126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1112859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma that often develops resistance to current therapies, including vincristine. Since the existing treatments have not significantly improved survival, there is a critical need for new therapeutic approaches for RMS patients. FOXM1, a known oncogene, is highly expressed in RMS, and is associated with the worst prognosis in RMS patients. In the present study, we found that the combination treatment with specific FOXM1 inhibitor RCM1 and low doses of vincristine is more effective in increasing apoptosis and decreasing RMS cell proliferation in vitro compared to single drugs alone. Since RCM1 is highly hydrophobic, we developed innovative nanoparticle delivery system containing poly-beta-amino-esters and folic acid (NPFA), which efficiently delivers RCM1 to mouse RMS tumors in vivo. The combination of low doses of vincristine together with intravenous administration of NPFA nanoparticles containing RCM1 effectively reduced RMS tumor volumes, increased tumor cell death and decreased tumor cell proliferation in RMS tumors compared to RCM1 or vincristine alone. The combination therapy was non-toxic as demonstrated by liver metabolic panels using peripheral blood serum. Using RNA-seq of dissected RMS tumors, we identified Chac1 as a uniquely downregulated gene after the combination treatment. Knockdown of Chac1 in RMS cells in vitro recapitulated the effects of the combination therapy. Altogether, combination treatment with low doses of vincristine and nanoparticle delivery of FOXM1 inhibitor RCM1 in a pre-clinical model of RMS has superior anti-tumor effects and decreases CHAC1 while reducing vincristine toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Donovan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Zicheng Deng
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Fenghua Bian
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Samriddhi Shukla
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jose Gomez-Arroyo
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Donglu Shi
- The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Vladimir V. Kalinichenko
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tanya V. Kalin
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Tanya V. Kalin,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lanzi C, Cassinelli G. Combinatorial strategies to potentiate the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in fusion-positive sarcomas. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
8
|
Yang J, Gao C, Liu M, Liu YC, Kwon J, Qi J, Tian X, Stein A, Liu YV, Kong NR, Wu Y, Yin S, Xi J, Chen Z, Kumari K, Wong H, Luo H, Silberstein LE, Thoms JAI, Unnikrishnan A, Pimanda JE, Tenen DG, Chai L. Targeting an Inducible SALL4-Mediated Cancer Vulnerability with Sequential Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6018-6028. [PMID: 34593523 PMCID: PMC8639708 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncofetal protein SALL4 is critical for cancer cell survival. Targeting SALL4, however, is only applicable in a fraction of cancer patients who are positive for this gene. To overcome this limitation, we propose to induce a cancer vulnerability by engineering a partial dependency upon SALL4. Following exogenous expression of SALL4, SALL4-negative cancer cells became partially dependent on SALL4. Treatment of SALL4-negative cells with the FDA-approved hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) resulted in transient upregulation of SALL4. DAC pretreatment sensitized SALL4-negative cancer cells to entinostat, which negatively affected SALL4 expression through a microRNA, miRNA-205, both in culture and in vivo. Moreover, SALL4 was essential for the efficiency of sequential treatment of DAC and entinostat. Overall, this proof-of-concept study provides a framework whereby the targeting pathways such as SALL4-centered therapy can be expanded, sensitizing cancer cells to treatment by transient target induction and engineering a dependency. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide a therapeutic approach for patients harboring no suitable target by induction of a SALL4-mediated vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Yang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yao-Chung Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Junsu Kwon
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xi Tian
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alicia Stein
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yanjing V Liu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nikki R Kong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shenyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kalpana Kumari
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannan Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongbo Luo
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie E Silberstein
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie A I Thoms
- School of Medical Sciences and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashwin Unnikrishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Pimanda
- School of Medical Sciences and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Hematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel G Tenen
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
MS-275 (Entinostat) Promotes Radio-Sensitivity in PAX3-FOXO1 Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910671. [PMID: 34639012 PMCID: PMC8508838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. About 25% of RMS expresses fusion oncoproteins such as PAX3/PAX7-FOXO1 (fusion-positive, FP) while fusion-negative (FN)-RMS harbors RAS mutations. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a crucial role in local control but metastatic RMS is often radio-resistant. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) radio-sensitize different cancer cells types. Thus, we evaluated MS-275 (Entinostat), a Class I and IV HDACi, in combination with RT on RMS cells in vitro and in vivo. MS-275 reversibly hampered cell survival in vitro in FN-RMS RD (RASmut) and irreversibly in FP-RMS RH30 cell lines down-regulating cyclin A, B, and D1, up-regulating p21 and p27 and reducing ERKs activity, and c-Myc expression in RD and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity and N-Myc expression in RH30 cells. Further, MS-275 and RT combination reduced colony formation ability of RH30 cells. In both cell lines, co-treatment increased DNA damage repair inhibition and reactive oxygen species formation, down-regulated NRF2, SOD, CAT and GPx4 anti-oxidant genes and improved RT ability to induce G2 growth arrest. MS-275 inhibited in vivo growth of RH30 cells and completely prevented the growth of RT-unresponsive RH30 xenografts when combined with radiation. Thus, MS-275 could be considered as a radio-sensitizing agent for the treatment of intrinsically radio-resistant PAX3-FOXO1 RMS.
Collapse
|
10
|
Giannikopoulos P, Parham DM. Rhabdomyosarcoma: How Advanced Molecular Methods Are Shaping the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Paradigm. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2021; 24:395-404. [PMID: 34107813 DOI: 10.1177/10935266211013621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For the past 40 years, progress in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has been focused on understanding its molecular basis and characterizing the mutations that drive its tumorigenesis and progression. Genetic predisposition to RMS has allowed discovery of key genetic pathways and driver mutations. Subclassification of RMS into embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) subtypes has shifted from histology to PAX-FOXO1 fusion status, and new driver mutations have been found in spindle cell RMS. Comprehensive molecular profiling leveraging genome-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) indicates that the RAS/RAF/PI3K axis is mutated in the majority of ERMS and modulated by downstream effects of PAX-FOXO1 fusions in ARMS. Because of the continued poor outcome of high-risk RMS, a variety of molecular targets have been or are now being tested in current or recent therapy trials. New techniques such as single cell sequencing, spatial multi-omics, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing offer potential for further discovery, but a need for clinically annotated specimens persists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petros Giannikopoulos
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - David M Parham
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA (retired)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rossetti A, Petragnano F, Milazzo L, Vulcano F, Macioce G, Codenotti S, Cassandri M, Pomella S, Cicchetti F, Fasciani I, Antinozzi C, Di Luigi L, Festuccia C, De Felice F, Vergine M, Fanzani A, Rota R, Maggio R, Polimeni A, Tombolini V, Gravina GL, Marampon F. Romidepsin (FK228) fails in counteracting the transformed phenotype of rhabdomyosarcoma cells but efficiently radiosensitizes, in vitro and in vivo, the alveolar phenotype subtype. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:943-957. [PMID: 33979259 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1928786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Herein we describe the in vitro and in vivo activity of FK228 (Romidepsin), an inhibitor of class I HDACs, in counteracting and radiosensitizing embryonal (ERMS, fusion-negative) and alveolar (ARMS, fusion-positive) rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). METHODS RH30 (ARMS, fusion-positive) and RD (ERMS, fusion-negative) cell lines and human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (HMSC) were used. Flow cytometry analysis, RT-qPCR, western blotting and enzymatic assays were performed. Irradiation was delivered by using an x-6 MV photon linear accelerator. FK228 (1.2 mg/kg) in vivo activity, combined or not with radiation therapy (2 Gy), was assessed in murine xenografts. RESULTS Compared to HMSC, RMS expressed low levels of class I HDACs. In vitro, FK228, as single agents, reversibly downregulated class I HDACs expression and activity and induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and a concomitant growth arrest associated with PARP-1-mediated transient non-apoptotic cell death. Surviving cells upregulated the expression of cyclin A, B, D1, p27, Myc and activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling, known to be differently involved in cancer chemoresistance. Interestingly, while no radiosensitizing effects were detected, in vitro or in vivo, on RD cells, FK228 markedly radiosensitized RH30 cells by impairing antioxidant and DSBs repair pathways in vitro. Further, FK228 when combined with RT in vivo significantly reduced tumor mass in mouse RH30 xenografts. CONCLUSION FK228 did not show antitumor activity as a single agent whilst its combination with RT resulted in radiosensitization of fusion-positive RMS cells, thus representing a possible strategy for the treatment of the most aggressive RMS subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rossetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Petragnano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luisa Milazzo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Vulcano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Macioce
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Codenotti
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Group of Epigenetics of Pediatric Sarcomas, Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Group of Epigenetics of Pediatric Sarcomas, Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Irene Fasciani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca De Felice
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Vergine
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Group of Epigenetics of Pediatric Sarcomas, Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ghilu S, Kurmasheva RT, Houghton PJ. Developing New Agents for Treatment of Childhood Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities for Preclinical Testing. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071504. [PMID: 33916592 PMCID: PMC8038510 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing new therapeutics for the treatment of childhood cancer has challenges not usually associated with adult malignancies. Firstly, childhood cancer is rare, with approximately 12,500 new diagnoses annually in the U.S. in children 18 years or younger. With current multimodality treatments, the 5-year event-free survival exceeds 80%, and 70% of patients achieve long-term “cure”, hence the overall number of patients eligible for experimental drugs is small. Childhood cancer comprises many disease entities, the most frequent being acute lymphoblastic leukemias (25% of cancers) and brain tumors (21%), and each of these comprises multiple molecular subtypes. Hence, the numbers of diagnoses even for the more frequently occurring cancers of childhood are small, and undertaking clinical trials remains a significant challenge. Consequently, development of preclinical models that accurately represent each molecular entity can be valuable in identifying those agents or combinations that warrant clinical evaluation. Further, new regulations under the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children Act (RACE For Children Act) will change the way in which drugs are developed. Here, we will consider some of the limitations of preclinical models and consider approaches that may improve their ability to translate therapy to clinical trial more accurately.
Collapse
|
13
|
Prioritization of Novel Agents for Patients with Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) New Agents for Rhabdomyosarcoma Task Force. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071416. [PMID: 33915882 PMCID: PMC8037615 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071416] [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: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed in children and adolescents. Patients that are diagnosed with advanced or relapsed disease have exceptionally poor outcomes. The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) convened a rhabdomyosarcoma new agent task force in 2020 to systematically evaluate novel agents for inclusion in phase 2 or phase 3 clinical trials for patients diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, following a similar effort for Ewing sarcoma. The task force was comprised of clinicians and basic scientists who collectively identified new agents for evaluation and prioritization in clinical trial testing. Here, we report the work of the task force including the framework upon which the decisions were rendered and review the top classes of agents that were discussed. Representative agents include poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in combination with cytotoxic agents, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors in combination with type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR1) inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and novel cytotoxic agents.
Collapse
|
14
|
Histone deacetylase inhibitors dysregulate DNA repair proteins and antagonize metastasis-associated processes. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:343-356. [PMID: 31932908 PMCID: PMC6985217 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-03118-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We set out to determine whether clinically tested epigenetic drugs against class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) affect hallmarks of the metastatic process. Methods We treated permanent and primary renal, lung, and breast cancer cells with the class I histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) entinostat (MS-275) and valproic acid (VPA), the replicative stress inducer hydroxyurea (HU), the DNA-damaging agent cis-platinum (L-OHP), and the cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). We used proteomics, quantitative PCR, immunoblot, single cell DNA damage assays, and flow cytometry to analyze cell fate after drug exposure. Results We show that HDACi interfere with DNA repair protein expression and trigger DNA damage and apoptosis alone and in combination with established chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, HDACi disrupt the balance of cell adhesion protein expression and abrogate TGFβ-induced cellular plasticity of transformed cells. Conclusion HDACi suppress the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and compromise the DNA integrity of cancer cells. These data encourage further testing of HDACi against tumor cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-019-03118-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
15
|
Knott MML, Hölting TLB, Ohmura S, Kirchner T, Cidre-Aranaz F, Grünewald TGP. Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While sarcomas account for approximately 1% of malignant tumors of adults, they are particularly more common in children and adolescents affected by cancer. In contrast to malignancies that occur in later stages of life, childhood tumors, including sarcoma, are characterized by a striking paucity of somatic mutations. However, entity-defining fusion oncogenes acting as the main oncogenic driver mutations are frequently found in pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1-FLI1), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (PAX3/7-FOXO1), and synovial sarcoma (SS18-SSX1/2/4). Since strong oncogene-dependency has been demonstrated in these entities, direct pharmacological targeting of these fusion oncogenes has been excessively attempted, thus far, with limited success. Despite apparent challenges, our increasing understanding of the neomorphic features of these fusion oncogenes in conjunction with rapid technological advances will likely enable the development of new strategies to therapeutically exploit these neomorphic features and to ultimately turn the "undruggable" into first-line target structures. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on targeting neomorphic features of fusion oncogenes found in Ewing sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, and give a perspective for future developments. Graphical abstract Scheme depicting the different targeting strategies of fusion oncogenes in pediatric fusion-driven sarcomas. Fusion oncogenes can be targeted on their DNA level (1), RNA level (2), protein level (3), and by targeting downstream functions and interaction partners (4).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian M L Knott
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilman L B Hölting
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Shunya Ohmura
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Corrigendum. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27933. [PMID: 31442007 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|