1
|
Zhang H, Wang H, Zhang Q, Wang H, Zhu Y, Wang F, Lin J, Zhou J, Qu F. Bu-Shen-Tian-Jing formulas alleviate the mitochondrial damage induced by oxidative stress in ovarian granulosa cells exposed to DEHP through the HDAC3-HSP90AA pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:1387-1400. [PMID: 37655754 PMCID: PMC10478627 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2249193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has potential reproductive toxicity. Bu-Shen-Tian-Jing formulations (BSTJFs) are beneficial for female reproductive capacity. However, BSTJF2 has much lower cytotoxicity than BSTJF1. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of BSTJFs on ovarian granulosa cells exposed to DEHP and determine the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS AND MATERIALS Human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) cells were divided into control, DEHP, BSTJF1 and BSTJF2 groups. The DEHP group were given 1 μM DEHP for 24 h. They were then given BSTJF1 at 200 μg/mL or BSTJF2 at 100 μg/mL for 24 h. The control group was treated with the same concentration of DMSO (0.1%). Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 and HSP90AA were determined. Integrative network pharmacology analysis of BSTJF2 was also performed. RESULTS DEHP (1 μM) significantly suppressed the proliferation of KGN cells by 17%, significantly increased ROS levels by 28% and MDA levels by 47%, significantly decreased MMP levels by 22% and mtDNA copy by 30%. DEHP significantly increased protein expression of HDAC3 by 21%and HSP90AA by 64%. All these changes were significantly reversed by BSTJFs. Integrative network pharmacology analysis revealed HSP90AA was a key target (degree = 8). Both RGFP966 and BSTJF2 significantly reversed the increased expression of HDAC3 and HSP90AA, attenuated oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage which were induced by DEHP. CONCLUSION BSTJFs might have therapeutic potential on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage through the HDAC3/HSP90AA pathway which encourages further clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Zhejiang Vocational College of Special Education, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huihua Wang
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Zhu
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jue Zhou
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Qu
- Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Turaga SM, Vishwakarma V, Hembruff SL, Gibbs BK, Sabu P, Puri RV, Pathak HB, Samuel G, Godwin AK. Inducing Mitotic Catastrophe as a Therapeutic Approach to Improve Outcomes in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4911. [PMID: 37894278 PMCID: PMC10605681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy of the bone and soft tissues in need of novel therapeutic options. To identify potential therapeutic targets, we focused on essential biological pathways that are upregulated by EWS-FLI1, the primary oncogenic driver of EWS, including mitotic proteins such as Aurora kinase A (AURKA) and kinesin family member 15 (KIF15) and its binding partner, targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2). KIF15/TPX2 cooperates with KIF11, a key mitotic kinesin essential for mitotic spindle orientation. Given the lack of clinical-grade KIF15/TPX2 inhibitors, we chose to target KIF11 (using SB-743921) in combination with AURKA (using VIC-1911) given that phosphorylation of KIF15S1169 by Aurora A is required for its targeting to the spindle. In vitro, the drug combination demonstrated strong synergy (Bliss score ≥ 10) at nanomolar doses. Colony formation assay revealed significant reduction in plating efficiency (1-3%) and increased percentage accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase with the combination treatment (45-52%) upon cell cycle analysis, indicating mitotic arrest. In vivo studies in EWS xenograft mouse models showed significant tumor reduction and overall effectiveness: drug combination vs. vehicle control (p ≤ 0.01), SB-743921 (p ≤ 0.01) and VIC-1911 (p ≤ 0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated superior overall survival with the combination compared to vehicle or monotherapy arms (p ≤ 0.0001).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumya M. Turaga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
| | - Vikalp Vishwakarma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
| | - Stacey L. Hembruff
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.L.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Benjamin K. Gibbs
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
| | - Priya Sabu
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.L.H.); (P.S.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Rajni V. Puri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
| | - Harsh B. Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
- Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Glenson Samuel
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Andrew K. Godwin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.M.T.); (V.V.); (B.K.G.); (R.V.P.); (H.B.P.)
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (S.L.H.); (P.S.)
- Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong H, Xue B, Ru J, Pei G, Li Y. Targeted Therapy for EWS-FLI1 in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4035. [PMID: 37627063 PMCID: PMC10452796 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a rare and predominantly pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue in children and adolescents. Although international collaborations have greatly improved the prognosis of most EwS, the occurrence of macrometastases or relapse remains challenging. The prototypic oncogene EWS-FLI1 acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives the cellular transformation of EwS. In addition to its involvement in RNA splicing and the DNA damage response, this chimeric protein directly binds to GGAA repeats, thereby modifying the transcriptional profile of EwS. Direct pharmacological targeting of EWS-FLI1 is difficult because of its intrinsically disordered structure. However, targeting the EWS-FLI1 protein complex or downstream pathways provides additional therapeutic options. This review describes the EWS-FLI1 protein partners and downstream pathways, as well as the related target therapies for the treatment of EwS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helong Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Busheng Xue
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jinlong Ru
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Guoqing Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shifting from a Biological-Agnostic Approach to a Molecular-Driven Strategy in Rare Cancers: Ewing Sarcoma Archetype. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030874. [PMID: 36979853 PMCID: PMC10045500 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas of the thoracic cavity are rare entities that predominantly affect children and young adults. They can be very heterogeneous encompassing several different histological entities. Ewing Sarcoma (ES) can potentially arise from every bone, soft tissue, or visceral site in the body. However, it represents an extremely rare finding when it affects the thoracic cavity. It represents the second most frequent type of thoracic sarcoma, after chondrosarcoma. ES arises more frequently in sites that differ from the thoracic cavity, but it displays the same biological features and behavior of extra-thoracic ones. Current management of ES often requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as it can guarantee local and distant disease control, at least transiently, although the long-term outcome remains poor. Unfortunately, due to the paucity of clinical trials purposely designed for this rare malignancy, there are no optimal strategies that can be used for disease recurrence. As a result of its complex biological features, ES might be suitable for emerging biology-based therapeutic strategies. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor growth and treatment resistance, including those related to oncogenic pathways, epigenetic landscape, and immune microenvironment, is necessary in order to develop new valid therapeutic opportunities. Here, we provide an overview of the most recent therapeutic advances for ES in both the preclinical and clinical settings. We performed a review of the current available literature and of the ongoing clinical trials focusing on new treatment strategies, after failure of conventional multimodal treatments.
Collapse
|
5
|
Apfelbaum AA, Wrenn ED, Lawlor ER. The importance of fusion protein activity in Ewing sarcoma and the cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate it: A review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1044707. [PMID: 36505823 PMCID: PMC9727305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that despite clonal origins tumors eventually become complex communities comprised of phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations. This heterogeneity arises from both tumor cell intrinsic programs and signals from spatially and temporally dynamic microenvironments. While pediatric cancers usually lack the mutational burden of adult cancers, they still exhibit high levels of cellular heterogeneity that are largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas are aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancies with peak incidence in adolescence and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and metastatic disease is dismal. Ewing sarcomas are driven by a single pathognomonic fusion between a FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, the most common of which is EWS::FLI1. Despite sharing a single driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity both between and within tumors. Recent studies have identified differential fusion protein activity as a key source of this heterogeneity which leads to profoundly different cellular phenotypes. Paradoxically, increased invasive and metastatic potential is associated with lower EWS::FLI1 activity. Here, we review what is currently understood about EWS::FLI1 activity, the cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental factors that regulate it, and the downstream consequences of these activity states on tumor progression. We specifically highlight how transcription factor regulation, signaling pathway modulation, and the extracellular matrix intersect to create a complex network of tumor cell phenotypes. We propose that elucidation of the mechanisms by which these essential elements interact will enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches that are designed to target this complexity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ewing Sarcoma Meets Epigenetics, Immunology and Nanomedicine: Moving Forward into Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215473. [PMID: 36358891 PMCID: PMC9658520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ewing Sarcoma treatment is traditionally based on chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Although these standard of care regimens are efficient at early disease stages, many patients fail to respond appropriately, which has prompted the search for more efficacious and specific treatments. A deeper understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms underlying the biology of both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, as well as advances in drug delivery, has led to the development of different approaches to improve the treatment in Ewing Sarcoma patients. Thus, epigenetic, and immunotherapy-based drugs, along with nanotechnology delivery strategies, represent novel preclinical and clinical studies in the treatment of Ewing Sarcoma. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of these emerging therapeutic strategies and summarize the potential of the latest preclinical and clinical trials in Ewing Sarcoma research. Finally, we underline the value and future directions of these new treatments. Abstract Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor that mainly affects children, adolescents, and young adults. The standard therapy, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, has substantially improved the survival of EWS patients with localized disease. Unfortunately, this multimodal treatment remains elusive in clinics for those patients with recurrent or metastatic disease who have an unfavorable prognosis. Consistently, there is an urgent need to find new strategies for patients that fail to respond to standard therapies. In this regard, in the last decade, treatments targeting epigenetic dependencies in tumor cells and the immune system have emerged into the clinical scenario. Additionally, recent advances in nanomedicine provide novel delivery drug systems, which may address challenges such as side effects and toxicity. Therefore, therapeutic strategies stemming from epigenetics, immunology, and nanomedicine yield promising alternatives for treating these patients. In this review, we highlight the most relevant EWS preclinical and clinical studies in epigenetics, immunotherapy, and nanotherapy conducted in the last five years.
Collapse
|
7
|
Du L, Liu Y, Li C, Deng J, Sang Y. The interaction between ETS transcription factor family members and microRNAs: A novel approach to cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113069. [PMID: 35658214 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer biology, ETS transcription factors promote tumorigenesis by mediating transcriptional regulation of numerous genes via the conserved ETS DNA-binding domain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as posttranscriptional regulators to regulate various tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing factors. Interactions between ETS factors and miRNAs regulate complex tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing networks. This review discusses the progress of ETS factors and miRNAs in cancer research in detail. We focused on characterizing the interaction of the miRNA/ETS axis with competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and its regulation in posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, we explore the prospect of ETS factors and miRNAs in therapeutic intervention. Generally, interactions between ETS factors and miRNAs provide fresh perspectives into tumorigenesis and development and novel therapeutic approaches for malignant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Du
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, Department of Center Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University & The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, Department of Center Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University & The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China; Stomatology College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, Department of Center Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University & The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China
| | - Jinkuang Deng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, Department of Center Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University & The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China
| | - Yi Sang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, Department of Center Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University & The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fayzullina D, Tsibulnikov S, Stempen M, Schroeder BA, Kumar N, Kharwar RK, Acharya A, Timashev P, Ulasov I. Novel Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081988. [PMID: 35454895 PMCID: PMC9032664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ewing sarcoma is an uncommon cancer that arises in mesenchymal tissues and represents the second most widespread malignant bone neoplasm after osteosarcoma in children. Therapy has increased the 5-year survival rate in the last 40 years, although the recurrence rate has remained high. There is an immediate and unmet need for the development of novel Ewing sarcoma therapies. We offer new prospective targets for the therapy of Ewing sarcoma. The EWSR1/FLI1 fusion protein, which is identified in 85–90% of Ewing sarcoma tumors, and its direct targets are given special focus in this study. Experimantal therapy that targets multiple signaling pathways activated during ES progression, alone or in combination with existing regimens, may become the new standard of care for Ewing sarcoma patients, improving patient survival. Abstract Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon cancer that arises in mesenchymal tissues and represents the second most widespread malignant bone neoplasm after osteosarcoma in children. Amplifications in genomic, proteomic, and metabolism are characteristics of sarcoma, and targeting altered cancer cell molecular processes has been proposed as the latest promising strategy to fight cancer. Recent technological advancements have elucidated some of the underlying oncogenic characteristics of Ewing sarcoma. Offering new insights into the physiological basis for this phenomenon, our current review examines the dynamics of ES signaling as it related to both ES and the microenvironment by integrating genomic and proteomic analyses. An extensive survey of the literature was performed to compile the findings. We have also highlighted recent and ongoing studies integrating metabolomics and genomics aimed at better understanding the complex interactions as to how ES adapts to changing biochemical changes within the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Fayzullina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Sergey Tsibulnikov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Mikhail Stempen
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Brett A. Schroeder
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (N.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Endocrine Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur 222146, India;
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (N.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
- Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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]
|
10
|
Rytlewski J, Brockman QR, Dodd RD, Milhem M, Monga V. Epigenetic modulation in sensitizing metastatic sarcomas to therapies and overcoming resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:25-35. [PMID: 35582536 PMCID: PMC8992584 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomas are a class of rare malignancies of mesenchymal origin with a heterogeneous histological spectrum. They are classically associated with poor outcomes, especially once metastasized. A path to improving clinical outcomes may be made through modifying the epigenome, where a variety of sarcomas demonstrate changes that contribute to their oncogenic phenotypes. This Perspective article identifies and describes changes in the sarcoma genome, while discussing specific epigenetic changes and their effect on clinical outcomes. Clinical attempts at modulating epigenetics in sarcoma are reviewed, as well as potential implications of these studies. Epigenetic targets to reverse and delay chemotherapy resistance are discussed. Future directions with primary next steps are proposed to invigorate the current understanding of epigenetic biomarkers to enact targeted therapies to epigenetic phenotypes of sarcoma subtypes. Modifications to prior studies, as well as proposed clinical steps, are also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Rytlewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Qierra R Brockman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mohammed Milhem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Varun Monga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Flores G, Grohar PJ. One oncogene, several vulnerabilities: EWS/FLI targeted therapies for Ewing sarcoma. J Bone Oncol 2021; 31:100404. [PMID: 34976713 PMCID: PMC8686064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the defining mutation of Ewing sarcoma. This oncogene drives malignant transformation and progression and occurs in a genetic background characterized by few other recurrent cooperating mutations. In addition, the tumor is absolutely dependent on the continued expression of EWS/FLI to maintain the malignant phenotype. However, EWS/FLI is a transcription factor and therefore a challenging drug target. The difficulty of directly targeting EWS/FLI stems from unique features of this fusion protein as well as the network of interacting proteins required to execute the transcriptional program. This network includes interacting proteins as well as upstream and downstream effectors that together reprogram the epigenome and transcriptome. While the vast number of proteins involved in this process challenge the development of a highly specific inhibitors, they also yield numerous therapeutic opportunities. In this report, we will review how this vast EWS-FLI transcriptional network has been exploited over the last two decades to identify compounds that directly target EWS/FLI and/or associated vulnerabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Flores
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - Patrick J Grohar
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Routholla G, Pulya S, Patel T, Adhikari N, Abdul Amin S, Paul M, Bhagavatula S, Biswas S, Jha T, Ghosh B. Design, synthesis and binding mode of interaction of novel small molecule o-hydroxy benzamides as HDAC3-selective inhibitors with promising antitumor effects in 4T1-Luc breast cancer xenograft model. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105446. [PMID: 34717237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is one of the most promising targets to develop anticancer therapeutics. In continuation of our quest for selective HDAC3 inhibitors, a series of small molecules having o-hydroxy benzamide as the novel zinc binding group (ZBG) has been introduced for the first time that can be able to produce good HDAC3-selectivity over other HDACs. The most promising HDAC3 inhibitors, 11a and 12b, displayed promising in vitro anticancer activities with less toxicity to normal kidney cells. These compounds significantly upregulate histone acetylation and induce apoptosis with a G2/M phase arrest in B16F10 cells. Compound 11a exhibited potent antitumor efficacy in 4T1-Luc breast cancer xenograft mouse model in female Balb/c mice. It also showed significant tumor growth suppression with no general toxicity and extended survival rates post-tumor resection. It significantly induced higher ROS generation, leading to apoptosis. No considerable toxicity was noticed in major organs isolated from the compound 11a-treated mice. Compound 11a also induced the upregulation of acH3K9, acH4K12, caspase-3 and caspase-7 as analyzed by immunoblotting with treated tumor tissue. Overall, HDAC3 selective inhibitor 11a might be a potential lead for the clinical translation as an emerging drug candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Routholla
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Sravani Pulya
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Tarun Patel
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Nilanjan Adhikari
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Abdul Amin
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Milan Paul
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Srividya Bhagavatula
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schmidt O, Nehls N, Prexler C, von Heyking K, Groll T, Pardon K, Garcia HD, Hensel T, Gürgen D, Henssen AG, Eggert A, Steiger K, Burdach S, Richter GHS. Class I histone deacetylases (HDAC) critically contribute to Ewing sarcoma pathogenesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:322. [PMID: 34654445 PMCID: PMC8518288 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Histone acetylation and deacetylation seem processes involved in the pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Here histone deacetylases (HDAC) class I were investigated. Methods Their role was determined using different inhibitors including TSA, Romidepsin, Entinostat and PCI-34051 as well as CRISPR/Cas9 class I HDAC knockouts and HDAC RNAi. To analyze resulting changes microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, western blotting, Co-IP, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, invasion assays and xenograft-mouse models were used. Results Class I HDACs are constitutively expressed in EwS. Patients with high levels of individual class I HDAC expression show decreased overall survival. CRISPR/Cas9 class I HDAC knockout of individual HDACs such as HDAC1 and HDAC2 inhibited invasiveness, and blocked local tumor growth in xenograft mice. Microarray analysis demonstrated that treatment with individual HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) blocked an EWS-FLI1 specific expression profile, while Entinostat in addition suppressed metastasis relevant genes. EwS cells demonstrated increased susceptibility to treatment with chemotherapeutics including Doxorubicin in the presence of HDACi. Furthermore, HDACi treatment mimicked RNAi of EZH2 in EwS. Treated cells showed diminished growth capacity, but an increased endothelial as well as neuronal differentiation ability. HDACi synergizes with EED inhibitor (EEDi) in vitro and together inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mice. Co-IP experiments identified HDAC class I family members as part of a regulatory complex together with PRC2. Conclusions Class I HDAC proteins seem to be important mediators of the pathognomonic EWS-ETS-mediated transcription program in EwS and in combination therapy, co-treatment with HDACi is an interesting new treatment opportunity for this malignant disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02125-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Schmidt
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Nadja Nehls
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Carolin Prexler
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Kristina von Heyking
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, München, Germany
| | - Tanja Groll
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München and Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Katharina Pardon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heathcliff D Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Hensel
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Dennis Gürgen
- Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anton G Henssen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München and Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, München, Germany
| | - Günther H S Richter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morales E, Olson M, Iglesias F, Dahiya S, Luetkens T, Atanackovic D. Role of immunotherapy in Ewing sarcoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000653. [PMID: 33293354 PMCID: PMC7725096 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is thought to arise from mesenchymal stem cells and is the second most common bone sarcoma in pediatric patients and young adults. Given the dismal overall outcomes and very intensive therapies used, there is an urgent need to explore and develop alternative treatment modalities including immunotherapies. In this article, we provide an overview of ES biology, features of ES tumor microenvironment (TME) and review various tumor-associated antigens that can be targeted with immune-based approaches including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, T cell receptor-transduced T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We highlight key reasons for the limited efficacy of various immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of ES to date. These factors include absence of human leukocyte antigen class I molecules from the tumor tissue, lack of an ideal surface antigen, and immunosuppressive TME due to the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, F2 fibrocytes, and M2-like macrophages. Lastly, we offer insights into strategies for novel therapeutics development in ES. These strategies include the development of gene-modified T cell receptor T cells against cancer–testis antigen such as XAGE-1, surface target discovery through detailed profiling of ES surface proteome, and combinatorial approaches. In summary, we provide state-of-the-art science in ES tumor immunology and immunotherapy, with rationale and recommendations for future therapeutics development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Morales
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Michael Olson
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Fiorella Iglesias
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Saurabh Dahiya
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim Luetkens
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA .,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Damerell V, Pepper MS, Prince S. Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:246. [PMID: 34188019 PMCID: PMC8241855 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Adhikari N, Jha T, Ghosh B. Dissecting Histone Deacetylase 3 in Multiple Disease Conditions: Selective Inhibition as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8827-8869. [PMID: 34161101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins has been implicated in several disease states. Modulation of such epigenetic modifications has therefore made histone deacetylases (HDACs) important drug targets. HDAC3, among various class I HDACs, has been signified as a potentially validated target in multiple diseases, namely, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasitic infections, and HIV. However, only a handful of HDAC3-selective inhibitors have been reported in spite of continuous efforts in design and development of HDAC3-selective inhibitors. In this Perspective, the roles of HDAC3 in various diseases as well as numerous potent and HDAC3-selective inhibitors have been discussed in detail. It will surely open up a new vista in the discovery of newer, more effective, and more selective HDAC3 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjan Adhikari
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, P.O. Box 17020, Kolkata, 700032 West Bengal, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, P.O. Box 17020, Kolkata, 700032 West Bengal, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
de Nigris F, Ruosi C, Napoli C. Clinical efficiency of epigenetic drugs therapy in bone malignancies. Bone 2021; 143:115605. [PMID: 32829036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A great interest in the scientific community is focused on the improvement of the cure rate in patients with bone malignancies that have a poor response to the first line of therapies. Novel treatments currently include epigenetic compounds or molecules targeting epigenetic-sensitive pathways. Here, we offer an exhaustive review of such agents in these clinical settings. Carefully designed preclinical studies selected several epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTIs), such as Decitabine, histone deacetylase classes I-II (HDACIs), as Entinostat, Belinostat, lysine-specific histone demethylase (LSD1), as INCB059872 or FT-2102 (Olutasidenib), inhibitors of isocitrate dehydrogenases, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), such as EPZ6438 (Tazemetostat) To enhance the therapeutic effect, the prevalent approach in phase II trial is the association of these epigenetic drug inhibitors, with targeted therapy or immune checkpoint blockade. Optimization of drug dosing and regimens of Phase II trials may improve the clinical efficiency of such novel therapeutic approaches against these devastating cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Carlo Ruosi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, 80132 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, 80134 Naples, IT, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ewing sarcoma family of tumors-derived small extracellular vesicle proteomics identify potential clinical biomarkers. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2995-3012. [PMID: 32821345 PMCID: PMC7415402 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT), the second most common pediatric osseous malignancy, are characterized by the pathognomonic chromosomal EWS-ETS translocation. Outside of tumor biopsy, no clinically relevant ESFT biomarkers exist. Additionally, tumor burden assessment at diagnosis, monitoring of disease responsiveness to therapy, and detection of disease recurrence are limited to radiographic imaging. To identify new, clinically relevant biomarkers we evaluated the proteome of a subset of ESFT-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed the first high quality proteomic study of ESFT-derived sEVs from 5 ESFT cell lines representing the most common EWS-ETS fusion types and identified 619 proteins composing the core ESFT sEV proteome. We compared these core proteins to databases of common plasma-based proteins and sEV-associated proteins found within healthy plasma to identify proteins unique or enriched within ESFT. RESULTS From these analyses, two membrane bound proteins with biomarker potential were selected, CD99/MIC2 and NGFR, to develop a liquid-based assay enriching of ESFT-associated sEVs and detection of sEV mRNA cargo (i.e., EWS-ETS transcripts). We employed this immuno-enrichment approach to diagnosis of ESFT utilizing plasma (250 μl) from both localized and metastatic ESFT pediatric patients and cancer-free controls, and showed significant diagnostic power [AUC = 0.92, p = 0.001 for sEV numeration, with a PPV = 1.00, 95% CI = (0.63, 1.00) and a NPV = 0.67, 95% CI = (0.30, 0.93)]. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrate utilization of circulating ESFT-associated sEVs in pediatric patients as a source of minimally invasive diagnostic and potentially prognostic biomarkers.
Collapse
|
19
|
Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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. 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
|